Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1113649
When Ubisoft announced its new Winnipeg studio in April 2018, it became a watershed moment for the city's Creative Industries and ICT sectors. More than just an industry-leading game developer, Ubisoft represents something more for Winnipeg: a company around which we can build an industry cluster. To build an industry cluster, there must be an anchor company that is big enough to attract other players in the same sector. A company such as Ubisoft has an existing ecosystem of related companies who work together in the video game industry in other major centres. Prior to Ubisoft's arrival in Winnipeg, there was no need for those companies to have a Winnipeg presence. Today, that has changed. Our city can now build a sector around a company like Ubisoft – but for that cluster to be successful, we need Ubisoft to be successful first. That means working together on talent attraction, local education and training initiatives, and a collaborative private sector to help build up one of our city's new flagship businesses. Ultimately, if we can broaden this existing sector of opportunity, we can attract new companies, talent, and investment to Winnipeg – perhaps even one day having a strong enough ecosystem to support having one of Ubisoft's competitors announce a Winnipeg studio as well. This growth strategy also helps our local companies succeed in a larger competitive environment, while providing a direct talent pipeline for cutting-edge jobs right here at home. YES! Winnipeg Spotlight Ubisoft 23 2018 Annual Report