French gaming publisher Ubisoft has opened a new studio in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, according to a job advertisement for an art director that was posted last week and reported by Gameranx.
According to the article, the job listing notes that the new Abu Dhabi studio currently has 25 employees but management is aiming to have at least 100 employees within in the next 3-5 years.
According to the Gameranx article, Ubisoft's Abu Dhabi studio will focus heavily on online play. Here are some of the main goals for the new studio:
"To create online products for everyone; our games have to be accessible at anytime, anywhere in the world and in any playable device.
To operate Ubisoft online games in the region, to gain substantial market share and leadership in the online MENA landscape."
According to Ubisoft's official site, the studio's managing director is Yannick Theler, the former human resources director of Ubisoft's Shanghai studio. In a video on the site Theler says, that Ubisoft believes that Abu Dhabi will be the next hub for content creation in the world.
There has been no specific projects announced for the studio, but the job listings on the site include art director, live game manager, programmer and senior game designer.
Here is look at the job description from one of the postings:
"Ubisoft Abu Dhabi, the newest of our worldwide studios, is on the lookout for talented employees to enhance their team. Based in the capital of the U.A.E and blessed with year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, world-class infrastructure, a diverse multi-cultural society and an excellent standard of living, this is an opportunity not to be missed!"
