June 13, 2024 – Today, Ubisoft China Studios announced to join the 2024 Festival Croisements by collaborating with the French Institute of Beijing to establish a game corner on the French Institute's premises, located at 18 Gongti West Road, Chaoyang District. Starting June 14, the public can enjoy free access to a diverse portfolio of Play-to-Learn games created by Ubisoft covering topics such as culture, music, history, and sports, along with engaging offline activities from June to December. Both parties are committed to contributing to fostering cultural exchange between China and France on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The entrance of the French Institute of Beijing
One or multiple different games will be presented at the Play-to-Learn game corner to provide diverse experiences to the visitors of the French Institute. The players will meet the Rabbids, a well-known French game and cartoon character, dance to the world’s top musical game Just Dance, explore the ancient worlds created for the franchise Assassin’s Creed and try at skateboarding, a new addition to 2024 Paris Olympics in the open-world extreme sports game Riders Republic.
In collaboration with The Palace of Versailles and National Centre of Cinematography and Animated Pictures of France, Ubisoft created a Just Dance musical map - A Night in the Château de Versailles.
In Assassin’s Creed Unity, Ubisoft recreated the streets and landmarks of Paris in the 18th century.
The French Institute of Beijing has a dual mission to promote cultural exchange between the two countries and to foster appreciation for French culture and language in China. It has been actively engaged in many areas including film, music, arts, literature, and more. Since 2006, the French Institute has been co-organizing the Festival Croisements to fully drive its mission. “By collaborating with world-renowned French developer Ubisoft to co-develop a game corner, we would like to highlight video games, an artistic medium considered the Ninth Art in China - promoting French culture while showcasing France's achievements in this field.” Expressed Nicolas Pillerel, Minister Counsellor for Culture, Education and Scientific Affairs of the French Embassy in China, and Director of the French Institute of Beijing.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with the French Institute of Beijing and we are happy to see that our games can serve as a driver of Sino-French cultural exchange. The interactive and immersive experience featured by video games makes it an original and unique tool of culture promotion and education.” said Xavier Poix, Ubisoft Zone Director, leading Ubisoft studios in China, France as well as Spain and Italy, “At Ubisoft, the collaboration between France and China goes back to 1996, when Shanghai Studio was established. Ubisoft Shanghai and Chengdu have co-developed Rayman, Just Dance, Assassin’s Creed, and more in partnership with French studios notably in Paris, Montpellier and Bordeaux. We are committed to pursuing and amplifying this close relationship between French and Chinese studios in the future.”
According to the collaboration plan, Ubisoft will showcase the splendor of French culture at its ChinaJoy booth in late July and organize community events at the French Institute based on the hands-on agenda.
The detailed information of the agenda is as follows.
June Rabbids: Party of Legends
When the French Rabbids stumble upon the play script of Journey to the West, the classic Chinese tale, what will happen? Team up with your family or friends as you embark on a journey to the Heavenly Palace to confront the challenges set by Ubisoft Chengdu. Available during 10:30 – 19:00 on June 14, 15, 21, 22 & 28 (expect for special events organized at the Black Box of the French Institute)
July Just Dance
Stretch your body and kindle your passion for dancing. Follow the rhythm of Just Dance co-developed by Ubisoft Paris and Shanghai studios, and feel the joy of dancing with your friends! Dance to the new musical map A Night in the Château de Versailles and indulge in the timeless elegance of an 18th-century French palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site!
The availability schedule of the games from July to December will be notified later by Wechat account Faguowenhua.
August Riders Republic – Summer Sports
Hop on your board and live the spirits of the Olympic Games Paris 2024!
September-October Discovery Tours
Immerse yourself in the digital museums of ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and the Viking world created from the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Explore their rich histories and observe their vibrant social lives.
November Valliant Hearts: The Great War & Valliant Hearts: Coming Home
This is a series of adventure games created by Ubisoft Montpellier, telling a story of friendship, love, and sacrifice against the horrors of war. It serves as a poignant reminder to the public on the occasion of the Armistice Day, prompting reminiscence and reflection.
December Riders Republic – Winter Sports
Here’s a chance to appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Alpes where Ubisoft Annecy developers ski in a first-person perspective! Grab your snowboard or skiblades for a downhill race or skill challenge and experience the exhilaration of winter sports. A warm-up exercise for the 15th National Winter Sports Games in China!