A competition designed to drive leadership in the video game industry
The Ubisoft Indie Series presented by National Bank is an annual competition for independent game development studios, offering cash prizes, mentorship, and creative and financial tools to help local studios and their games reach new heights.
Supporting Entrepreneurs
This initiative supports the growth of local entrepreneurs in the technology and entertainment industries with mentorship, expertise, grants and funding.
The Ubisoft Indie Series will invite up to 10 studios to pitch their games before a jury comprised of Ubisoft and National Bank experts.
We’re seeking eligible games at the beginning of their production phase that are original, show great creative vision, possess great potential for success, and are created by studios that value diversity in their game and/or teams.
Application Deadline
December 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET
Application Requirements
Studio
The studio is independent
The studio is Canadian-owned in a proportion of at least 50% and is based in Ontario
The studio is composed of no more than 50 team members
At least 50% of team members must be located in Ontario
Game
The game is at the beginning of its production phase
The game is original and shows great creative vision
The game shows a great potential for success
The game has received funding (love money, Canada Media Fund, crowdfunding, etc.)
The following are NOT eligible for the competition: adults-only games, promotional games, school projects
Game’s Budget
The game’s financial plan is sound and viable
Cash Prize
The studio describes how the $50,000 will be allocated and how it will help their game succeed
What you should know
Confidentiality Agreement
Regulations
Ubisoft is a supporter of the video game ecosystem
Ubisoft opened its first Canadian studio in 1997. Since then, the company has played an active role in developing a passionate and creative ecosystem where studios, small and large, have collaborated to make the video game industry shine on an international level.
Making games is difficult and presents many challenges: financially, creatively, and more. This is precisely why we want to connect with our colleagues, share knowledge and expertise, and together, ensure Canada continues to grow as a game development leader worldwide.
National Bank is a supporter of Canadian entrepreneurs in the video game industry
Our involvement in the contest builds on this history. National Bank was founded in 1859 by and for entrepreneurs. As we’ve grown, we’ve been there to guide tens of thousands of businesses through every stage of their development.
Today, the Bank continues to serve as a key partner for businesses of all sizes. Our experts offer support to businesses in a variety of sectors and have extensive experience in developing business models for tech companies.
Prizes
Grand Prize
The winning studio in Ontario will receive:
Mentorship provided by Ubisoft experts to help with development according to the studio’s needs. (Max 30 hours)
Marketing support for your game
Personalized financial diagnosis and counsel provided by National Bank experts
Entrepreneurial training experience offered by National Bank
Internal and external communications activities to promote the collaboration between Ubisoft and the studio, locally and internationally
$50,000 (CAD)
National Bank’s Special Prize
National Bank will determine, according to its own selection criteria, one (1) studio in Ontario who will win a Special Prize:
Mentorship provided by Ubisoft experts to help with development according to the studio’s needs. (Max 30 hours)
Personalized financial diagnosis and counsel provided by National Bank experts
$25,000 (CAD)
Meet the Jury
“I’m looking out for all aspects of a game coming together to create a cohesive experience, resulting in deliberate and meaningful actions and choices for the player.”
Andy Schmoll
Game Director
“I’m looking for compelling, meaningful narratives that showcase a diversity of voices and experiences to push gaming in exciting new directions.”
Navid Khavari
Narrative Director
“I hope to see games with creative vision and great potential for success, as well as a sound and viable financial and marketing plan.”
Fotis Prasinis
Director of Product Marketing
“I would like to see games that demonstrate a clear understanding of the barriers faced by some gamers and have accessibility baked into their core design.”
Billy Gregory
Accessibility Project Manager
“I’m excited to see the technical problems involved in their games, and the potential solutions they can propose for them.”
Matt Woelk
Team Lead Programmer
“The path to a finished project is one of creative expression but also thoughtful planning. Any game contends with a vision and a budget, a successful one achieves both.”
Matthew Persram
Senior Relationship Manager, National Bank
“I’m looking out for all aspects of a game coming together to create a cohesive experience, resulting in deliberate and meaningful actions and choices for the player.”
Andy Schmoll
Game Director
“I’m looking for compelling, meaningful narratives that showcase a diversity of voices and experiences to push gaming in exciting new directions.”
Navid Khavari
Narrative Director
“I hope to see games with creative vision and great potential for success, as well as a sound and viable financial and marketing plan.”
Fotis Prasinis
Director of Product Marketing
“I would like to see games that demonstrate a clear understanding of the barriers faced by some gamers and have accessibility baked into their core design.”
Billy Gregory
Accessibility Project Manager
“I’m excited to see the technical problems involved in their games, and the potential solutions they can propose for them.”
Matt Woelk
Team Lead Programmer
“The path to a finished project is one of creative expression but also thoughtful planning. Any game contends with a vision and a budget, a successful one achieves both.”
Matthew Persram
Senior Relationship Manager, National Bank
Past Winners
