The Quebec government have confirmed that they will be handing over approximately $16 million dollars to Ubisoft in order for the company to set up a new CGI movie production house that will primarily focus on 'short animated films for the general public'.

"For our Government, it is essential to support companies' training plans. By focusing on qualified labour, Quebec will be able to continue to create wealth and to come out on top in international competition," said the minister for employment and social solidarity.

The new studio will help to 'significantly expand its video game development operations in the region' and create up to 1000 new jobs over the next 6 years.

"In 1997 Ubisoft made the decision to wager on Quebec's immense creative potential," commented Yves Guillemot, president of Ubisoft.

"Ten years later, the Montreal studio hasbeen the driving force behind the conception and development of legendarybrands, such as Prince of Persia, and the greatly anticipated Assassin's Creed. The Montreal studio was recently ranked fourth development studio in theworld by Game Informer, one of the most influential magazines in the game industry. Today, we are pursuing our strategy centered on innovation byincreasing investments in our creative teams based in Quebec."

"With this announcement, we are one step closer to reaching our goal of making Ubsisoft's Montreal studio the most important center for video gamedevelopment in the world, and especially to reinforce Quebec's position as a reference in the creation of digital entertainment," Yannis Mallat added.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz