Today, Ubisoft Toronto has announced the latest edition of the Ubisoft Indie Series presented by National Bank in Ontario. The Indie Series is an annual competition for independent game development studios, offering $75,000 in cash prizes, mentorship, and creative, marketing and financial tools to help local studios and their games reach new heights.
“The Indie Series shines a light on the incredible independent video game studios that are here in Ontario,” says Julien Lavoie, Director of Corporate Affairs at Ubisoft Toronto. “We’re proud to play a role in fostering a vibrant indie game scene in the province; the Indie Series acts as a springboard to showcase the province’s talent on a global stage.”
Past Indie Series winners Kitten Cup Studio, Achimostawinan Games and Vivid Foundry have successfully released new games this year to high praise from players and reviewers, including Pekoe, Hill Agency: PURITY decay and Solace State: Emotional Cyberpunk Stories.
The Grand Prize and National Bank’s Special Prize winners are determined following a pitch session with a jury composed of Ubisoft and National Bank experts. Judges evaluate a range of criteria, including creative vision, narrative, game design, marketing and consideration of DE&I and accessibility in their game and/or their team.
“We’re thrilled to play a role in empowering indie studios and supporting them in bringing their creative visions to life through the Indie Series,” says Anne Schneerer, Managing Director and Head of Ontario and Western Canada, Creative Industries Group, National Bank. “This program supports with fuelling innovation, nurturing talent, and ultimately helping to shape the future of the gaming industry.”
To register for the Ubisoft Indie Series presented by National Bank, visit the Indie Series website. Studios must be based in Ontario and have 50 or fewer employees to register. Applications close on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET.
Meaningful mentorship in games
The Ubisoft Indie Series aims to support the growth of local entrepreneurs in the technology and entertainment industries with mentorship, expertise and funding.
To date, there have been 13 Ontario winners and $500,000 in cash prizes awarded. Last year’s winners included Rocket Adrift and Thousand Stars Studio. The Indie Series has supported previous winning studios with production management advice, accessibility consultations, audio and narrative assistance, and marketing feedback.
Ubisoft Toronto is also a proud supporter of a range of entrepreneurial initiatives in the video game industry, including XP Game Developer Summit, which connects the video game and esports industries at all levels; and Indie Superboost, an industry-led effort that brings talent together for candid, in-depth, and authentic conversations on the realities of succeeding as a sustainable indie studio.
For updates on the Indie Series, follow Ubisoft Toronto on Twitter and LinkedIn.
