Ubisoft – “The video game industry is the most dynamic and exciting sector of the entertainment industry, but...”

Pros

Ubisoft maintains its small company roots despite being the 3rd largest third-party publisher in the world. The people are real and the culture is phenomenal for those who either do not care for a corporate atmosphere or are looking to retreat from a corporate atmosphere. Working in the fastest growth sector of the entertainment industry is exciting and dynamic. And being part of the maturation process of an otherwise unsophisticated and still-maturing industry (and company) provides a TREMENDOUS learning opportunity.

Cons

Being French-owned with its HQ in Paris, the cultural differences adds a complexity to the workplace regardless of what function you are in. The French are known for their bureaucracy and Ubisoft is no different. However, the US subsidiary maintains enough independence to dilute this redtape so one is not completely flustered and frustrated. The 9 hour time difference also makes it challenging to maintain a completely "open-communication/voice-to-voice" environment.

Advice to Senior Management

As a company grows and begins competiting with the "big dogs" of an industry, its people must either adapt or move on. Senior management must recognize that competency is not a nice to have for a large organization. As such, they must take more hard looks at their staff and replace ineffective employees with high performers who want to work in this face paced industry.