Producer Project Manager Team Leader Consultant
Video interview with Hugues Ricour: Ubisoft Singapore, Skull & Bones, Assassin's Creed.
Ubisoft Singapore Celebrates 10 Years
How do you feel about this achievement?
Hugues Ricour: I am extremely proud of what we presented this morning and our success: 14 games released, 350 people now working on AAA games. When we initially arrived in Singapore, people doubted that we could have a triple A studio in this region; not only have we found great talent, but we have also developed great partnerships and this gives us a very solid direction for the future.
The Growth of Ubisoft Singapore
Can you tell us about the growth of Ubisoft Singapore?
Hugues Ricour: We grow step by step. We first developed some small games and then joined the co-development of Assassin's Creed, a structure where we partnered with Ubisoft and learned to create levels (art and level design). Then, step by step, we added features like programming, gameplay, to the point where today we are able to create our own complete games, and in this transition, we have learned to provide game services.
Ocean Tech in Skull & Bones
As the man behind Ocean Tech, how would you describe the oceans in Skull & Bones compared to those in Black Flag?
Hugues Ricour: First of all, I want to pay tribute to the entire team that built the Ocean technology. I am a producer at heart and I really want to thank all the programmers who were involved. It has really been a continuous effort. Each console generation allows us to push the boundaries further with simulations, special effects, texture, wave shape, and of course, the ocean being a physical space, it also allows us to add more gameplay in interaction with the waves and the ship. In Skull and Bones, we have also added wind, physical forces that participate in the gameplay by directing your ship, and it seems that this quest for new ideas, innovation in gameplay, fuels our passion.
The Future of Ubisoft Singapore
Besides Skull & Bones, will we see other titles developed by Ubisoft Singapore?
Hugues Ricour: Sometimes, for the game developer, it's a bit difficult to take a step back because we play the game every day, and going to E3 this year was a big revelation and seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of people when they see the game for the first time. So this contact we had with our audience and fans is super reassuring.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Skull & Bones
What is your excitement for Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Skull & Bones?
Hugues Ricour: Sometimes, for the game developer, it's a bit difficult to take a step back because we play the game every day, and going to E3 this year was a big revelation and seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of people when they see the game for the first time. So this contact we had with our audience and fans is super reassuring.
The Singapore Studio and Odyssey
Is the Singapore studio involved in the development of Odyssey in any way?
Hugues Ricour: Sometimes, for the game developer, it's a bit difficult to take a step back because we play the game every day, and going to E3 this year was a big revelation and seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of people when they see the game for the first time. So this contact we had with our audience and fans is super reassuring.