As a production studio, our developers live in the rhythm of creating our games. Although immersed in creativity daily, the constraints of production pipelines and project priorities naturally take precedence. So how can we take this pause, this dedicated time, and where can we find a space to express ideas for innovation and improvement in our productions? It is in this context that our exclusive initiative "HATCH From Ideas To Prototypes" was born, with the enthusiastic support of the studio's management.
Convinced that our developers are the creative force that brings our games to life, the management took the initiative to create a dedicated space and valuable time to allow our members to develop their ideas for innovation and improvement. The goal is to enrich the players' experience while enhancing the quality of our developments at Ubisoft Annecy. Launched in 2022 through a dedicated platform, this program was designed to gather, explore, share, and create.
How does it work in practice? Studio members with a prototype idea (tool, system, etc. related to an ongoing project) propose it in the dedicated internal application and inform their Lead to unlock dedicated prototyping time on Friday afternoons. Other studio members can then join the idea, work on the project, and iterate until they deem it ready to be pitched. This is how several ideas developed through Hatch have been implemented in our productions, including new game modes and new playable vehicles for players!
The feedback from participants attests to the success of this innovative initiative. Some members shared their impressions: "The program gave me the opportunity to develop something that made sense to me." Another appreciated the flexibility in their schedule, also highlighting "the ease of unlocking time for group members" thanks to the specifically allocated time for this initiative. For many, HATCH represents much more than a simple research and development project. One participant expressed their enthusiasm by stating: "Hatch is an R&D project, and these are subjects I love; being able to do it while at work was a great experience."
Positive testimonials are pouring in with encouragements such as "Please keep this initiative alive" and "Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity!" These comments reflect the significant impact of HATCH on Ubisoft Annecy's creative culture.
In conclusion, "HATCH From Ideas To Prototypes" is much more than a simple program within our studio. It is an initiative that unleashes the creative potential of our developers, encouraging continuous innovation and improvement. Through this exclusive program, Ubisoft Annecy confirms its commitment to excellence and the constant evolution of the gaming experience.