Pros
The usual pros of the games industry. - No suit and ties - Many people who are passionate about making games. - A good amount of great creative minds. - Flexible hours (with core hours) - Company healthcare, dental and retirement plan
Cons
- Like many already mentioned, if you do not speak French then expect never to rise beyond a specific level and jump many more hoops than your French speaking colleagues have to as well as your salary might end up in the lower area. This is even more painfully true in the Montreal office. - Your career may be blocked by the fact you do not speak French as well. - Many managers are promoted experts without the training in management or leading other people which turns out to be a dangerous approach in general, not only for Ubisoft. Some of them do know better but don't apply their knowledge, which is even more sad. - It happens too often that you try to dodge red tape and have to avoid stepping into someone's turf to get things done. Decisions often are made at a higher level and your are meant to apply them without a dialogue and prior conversation of sense or non-sense. - At times you are made to get things done without the necessary support or manpower. - Communication in the company has been very bottom to top with a lack of information flow from the top to the bottom while this is slowly changing, sadly too slow and as it seems only as a necessary evil. - Payment in Ubisoft is low not only compared to other industries which seems to be a common issue. Possibly because the games industry similar to the film industry always has enthusiasts willing to work for low payment only to be part of it. But even compared to the games industry Ubisoft seems to push the average bar low. - If you want to evolve and improve most the time you are on your own. While Ubisoft offers (internal) courses it is up to you to find your path. If you want to switch position or grow into another field then be prepared to experience a serious lack of support. There is no clear career path, no career coach, low (sometimes no) support from the HR. The summary: If you don't make it happen, then no one will (even help).
