Ubisoft Sherbrooke welcomes new neighbours! The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi announced today that it will build a new École NAD-UQAC educational facility in downtown Sherbrooke. The new space will offer a certificate program in technical game art. Ubisoft will invest $1 million over five years to help get the new initiative off the ground. The facility will welcome approximately 40 students in September 2023.
To carry out its mandates, including the recently announced support for the development of the Assassin’s Creed brand, the studio needs diversified expertise. The new NAD School facility will make it possible to develop creative, artistic and technical talent to support all the studios in the area, in addition to Ubisoft Sherbrooke, who is continuing to grow in order to reach its goal of 250 employees by 2030. This announcement is therefore a great opportunity both for young people who dream of a career in the game industry and for professionals who wish to perfect their knowledge.
“Ever since we came to Sherbrooke, we’ve wanted to contribute to and support the video game ecosystem in Estrie. The new NAD School facility and program will enrich the existing program offering, broaden the talent pool in our field, and, most importantly, let folks live, study, and work in video games without ever having to leave the area,” said Ubisoft Sherbrooke managing director Nathalie Jasmin.
“Thanks to our NAD-UQAC professors and the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, our institution plays a prominent role in shaping the digital ecosystem in Quebec. Our partnership with Ubisoft allows us to combine industry, teaching, and research to offer innovative programs in 3D animation, design, and computer science. Our institution is excited to bring this offering to Sherbrooke,” said UQAC rector Ghislain Samson.
Developed in collaboration with the NAD-UQAC team and the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, the certificate in technical art in video games will provide a solid foundation in 3D creation. Students will harness their creative potential to explore fundamental concepts in modelling, animation, and game engines. They will also get an introduction to the development of computer tools by learning important concepts related to programming and mathematics. The program will cover 3D creation and computer science. Students will learn to apply their creative vision amid the technical, technological, organizational, and ethical constraints of game development and to work with a multidisciplinary team to identify and solve problems. Furthermore, a variety of continuing education initiatives will be launched in January 2023.
The new full-time certificate will offer daytime, evening, and remote learning sessions. The certificate program will be offered at the other UQAC educational facilities, including Saguenay. The application deadline for the fall 2023 trimester is March 1. Continuing education courses may also be available online as early as January 2023 to meet the needs of professionals in the field.
