Storyland Studios, the three-dimensional storytelling firm, has entered into a new partnership with leading video game publisher Ubisoft. This will allow for the development of innovative new tech-enabled, in-person themed entertainment offerings. Storyland will design two multi-brand themed entertainment offerings based on Ubisoft’s popular game worlds.
Ubisoft has fans of all ages across the globe and is the creator of several much-loved brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Rabbids and more. In addition to its work in video games, the company has also expanded into film, TV, consumer products and themed entertainment.
Iconic stories and characters
“Ubisoft’s stories and characters are iconic and globally recognizable,” says Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Clients at Storyland Studios.
“The settings within Ubisoft’s game worlds are a perfect tapestry for physical world creation, whether historic, real-life, city-based, under the ocean, or on a different planet. For an experienced designer like Storyland, it’s an incredibly exciting sandbox to play in. We’re thrilled to have been entrusted with this opportunity.”
“We are impressed with Storyland’s expertise in themed entertainment and their three-dimensional story development approach,” says Mathilde Bresson, Location-Based Entertainment Manager at Ubisoft.
“Video games and themed parks have a lot more in common than we think. We are excited to join forces with Storyland to continue exploring the potential for synergies and design immersive, innovative and unforgettable experiences based on our catalogue of worlds.”
New themed entertainment concepts
Storyland will be responsible for developing new themed entertainment concepts, suitable for different locations around the world. This will include a full-scale Ubisoft theme park and a 2 – 3 hour indoor attraction. Both will mainly be for indoor venues, with some outdoor features. Attendees at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando will be able to see a sneak peek at the initial concepts.
Video games are huge in the entertainment sector and are expected to exceed $200 billion in annual revenue by 2023. In particular, PC and console gaming is predicted to see a 6.8% revenue increase in the next four years, with around 44% of video gamers in America choosing this medium.
“The team is ready to dive in,” says Blake Ryan, President and CEO of Storyland Studios. “As a firm that has embraced and championed innovation for more than two decades, we’re really excited to partner with Ubisoft to continue that future-forward innovation.”
Storyland will also be partnering with Alterface, a leader in interactive technology, in order to present interactive gameplay within these themed environments.
Earlier this year, Storyland Studios appointed Jim Clark, a veteran Disney Imagineer, as its newest Executive Director.
