Ubisoft NEXT
is an annual competition designed to showcase the talent of video game development students in Ontario and to help kickstart their careers in the industry.
Are you up to the challenge?
Be inspired
Kickstart your career in the industry with a paid apprenticeship and spend the summer learning from the studio’s top talent.
Be creative
Showcase your creativity and technical skill in one of six disciplines.
Be NEXT
Last year, 12 students made the transition from student to game developer at Ubisoft Toronto through this program. Are you NEXT?
Submissions
Thank you for your interest. Submissions are now closed.
In the 3D Art challenge (previously the Modelling challenge) create a 3D video game environment diorama of one of the scenes provided in an outlined story. Incorporate details and complexity that support your interpretation.
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Create a 3D CG animation based on an issued theme that shows off your skills. Submissions should highlight your attention to detail, use of believable body mechanics and creativity.
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Bring a story to life. In the Concept Art challenge create your submission while paying close attention to broad descriptions and important details that will support your interpretation of the visuals.
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Showcase your problem-solving skills and experience with game engines, as you plan your design from concept to playability.
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
NOVEMBER 5, 2023
Phase 1 submission deadline
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Apply your design sensibilities across the two-part Level Design challenge that will represent the production journey a mission takes, from its earliest “on paper” pitch to its very first appearance “on screen.”
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
NOVEMBER 12, 2023
Phase 1 submission deadline
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Through this technical gameplay challenge, you will create and submit a game made entirely in C++ using a provided API. The API will be available for download at least one month before the challenge weekend.
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
Programming API released
JANUARY 19, 2024
Programming theme released
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Technical Art is a unique melding of art and technical knowledge. Create a technical interpretation of an artistic challenge, while ensuring that the production of the game is achievable.
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Submissions open
JANUARY 21, 2024
Submission deadline
Ubisoft NEXT Eligibility
The competition is open to applicants who
Are legally entitled to work in Canada
Reside in Ontario
Are currently attending OR have graduated from an Ontario post-secondary school no earlier than Spring 2022
Have less than 2 years of professional experience in the game development industry
Are not a current or former employee of any Ubisoft studio
Complete the challenge individually. Team-based submissions will not be reviewed or considered
Full details on eligibility and submission requirements can be found within each brief.
Sign up to get the latest updates on Ubisoft NEXT
From school to studio
Meet NEXT winners who made the transition from students to Ubisoft Toronto game developers
Meet Jessica Le
2021 NEXT Technical Art Winner and current Technical Artist at Ubisoft Toronto
Check out her top tip for anyone looking to break into the video game industry with Ubisoft Toronto NEXT.
Meet Josh Garcia
2019 NEXT Level Design Winner and current Level Designer at Ubisoft Toronto
Learn how NEXT and his supportive team helped kickstart his career in game design.
Meet David Kolodko
2017 NEXT Animation Winner and current Gameplay Animator at Ubisoft Toronto
Discover how NEXT helped him break into the video game industry and kickstart his career.
What our winners are saying
“NEXT has been a great, I’d even say ideal, entry point for someone looking to experience the AAA games industry in Toronto! My internship experience was well-structured and positive right from day 1! The right level of complexity, helpful feedback sessions and being surrounded by an encouraging and supportive team provided a fantastic environment to learn in and grow.”
— Abhishek Das, Concept Art Intern
“NEXT has been a great opportunity! Being able to say I’ve worked on an AAA game at Ubisoft Toronto at the beginning of my career is extremely valuable! I also couldn’t be more grateful for my fantastic mentors at Ubisoft Toronto who’ve helped me grow and made my internship an amazing experience. If you’re thinking of joining NEXT, don’t hold back! This experience has helped me come out of my shell and shown me what I’m truly capable of! “
— Ken Stevens, Level Designer
“The best part about doing an internship at Ubisoft Toronto is that I got to work on real tasks on an ongoing project, and the code I wrote got reviewed and went right in the game! It’s super rewarding and the industry experience is real! Everyone I’ve worked with, my mentor, my manager, and everyone on the team are super knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. Plus, the studio has a super chill and inviting atmosphere even for introverted people like me.“
— Bia Zhao, 3D Programmer
“NEXT provided me with an opportunity to break into an AAA game studio as a recent grad. It’s been a very fulfilling experience. At first, I was worried about my language skills impeding conversation because English is my second language. But I found everyone to be super friendly and kind! It helped me focus on refining my work and I’ve seen a huge improvement.”
— Xiangyu Chen, Gameplay Animator
“I’ve known about NEXT for years but finally took part last year and I’m so glad I did! Winning has allowed me to work with and learn from an awesome UI/UX team! My expectation going in was that I was going to be working on a single small feature, but I was pleasantly surprised when I started getting larger complex tasks. Not to mention, working on games that I’ve enjoyed when I was younger is such a surreal experience!”
— Jay Jaejun Lee, UX Designer
“I think I’ll always be proud of the growth I’ve made in the competition and during my internship. It’s been eye-opening seeing how large teams coalesce into an AAA production! The amount I’ve learned from my supportive team and the network I’m building makes me feel very well-prepared for a competitive industry!”
— Melissa Friesen, Model Artist
“NEXT has been an educational and rewarding experience. One highlight has been meeting and collaborating with the diverse folks we have at the studio. My colleagues are not only friendly but eager to share their knowledge and expertise! NEXT has truly broadened my understanding of game design and enhanced my technical skills. It’s fulfilling to know I’m growing and making meaningful contributions to an exciting project!“
—Junsu Jung, Game Designer
“NEXT has been a great, I’d even say ideal, entry point for someone looking to experience the AAA games industry in Toronto! My internship experience was well-structured and positive right from day 1! The right level of complexity, helpful feedback sessions and being surrounded by an encouraging and supportive team provided a fantastic environment to learn in and grow.”
Abhishek Das
Concept Art Intern
“NEXT has been a great opportunity! Being able to say I’ve worked on an AAA game at Ubisoft Toronto at the beginning of my career is extremely valuable! I also couldn’t be more grateful for my fantastic mentors at Ubisoft Toronto who’ve helped me grow and made my internship an amazing experience. If you’re thinking of joining NEXT, don’t hold back! This experience has helped me come out of my shell and shown me what I’m truly capable of!”
Ken Stevens
Level Designer
“The best part about doing an internship at Ubisoft Toronto is that I got to work on real tasks on an ongoing project, and the code I wrote got reviewed and went right in the game! It’s super rewarding and the industry experience is real! Everyone I’ve worked with, my mentor, my manager, and everyone on the team are super knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. Plus, the studio has a super chill and inviting atmosphere even for introverted people like me. ”
Bia Zhao
Programming Intern
“NEXT provided me with an opportunity to break into an AAA game studio as a recent grad. It’s been a very fulfilling experience. At first, I was worried about my language skills impeding conversation because English is my second language, but I found everyone to be super friendly and kind! It helped me focus on refining my work and I’ve seen a huge improvement. ”
Xiangyu Chen
Gameplay Animator
“I’ve known about NEXT for years but finally took part last year and I’m so glad I did! Winning has allowed me to work with and learn from an awesome UI/UX team! My expectation going in was that I was going to be working on a single small feature, but I was pleasantly surprised when I started getting larger complex tasks. Not to mention, working on games that I’ve enjoyed when I was younger is such a surreal experience!”
— Jay Jaejun Lee, UX Designer
“I’ll always be proud of the growth I’ve made in the competition and during my internship. It’s been eye-opening seeing how large teams coalesce into an AAA production! The amount I’ve learned from my supportive team and the network I’m building makes me feel very well-prepared for a competitive industry! “
Melissa Friesen
Model Artist
“NEXT has been an educational and rewarding experience. One highlight has been meeting and collaborating with the diverse folks we have at the studio. My colleagues are not only friendly but eager to share their knowledge and expertise! NEXT has truly broadened my understanding of game design and enhanced my technical skills. It’s fulfilling to know I’m growing and making meaningful contributions to an exciting project!“
—Junsu Jung, Game Designer
Email us at next@ubisoft.com