Ubisoft Names Tencent-Backed Subsidiary Vantage Studios, Taking Charge of Its Biggest Franchises

Ubisoft has officially revealed the name of its new Tencent-backed subsidiary: Vantage Studios. The division, which begins operations today, will oversee three of Ubisoft’s most important franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.

Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six

How Vantage Studios Came to Be

Back in March, Ubisoft confirmed plans to create a new subsidiary with Tencent’s support, one that would focus exclusively on its flagship series. Now, on its first official day, the name has been made public. The studio was initially codenamed “Nova,” but the final name, Vantage Studios, was chosen through an internal employee vote.

The new division isn’t just a name change; it represents Ubisoft’s broader restructuring strategy. The company has been moving toward a “creative houses” model, where individual divisions have more autonomy over business and creative decisions. Vantage Studios is the first of these creative houses, and its success will likely set the tone for future reorganizations.

Vantage Studios will bring together Ubisoft’s offices in Montréal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Barcelona, and Sofia. Altogether, the group consists of around 2,300 employees.

Tencent’s Role in the Deal

Tencent holds a 25% stake in Vantage Studios, part of a €1.16 billion ($1.25 billion) investment deal. Once finalized, this cash injection is expected to bring Ubisoft close to zero debt. Tencent, however, won’t be running the show. The company will act in an advisory role, while final decisions rest with co-CEOs Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot.

Why This Matters for Ubisoft

The timing of this move is crucial. Ubisoft has faced a rough few years, with multiple game cancellations, layoffs, and disappointing releases. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been a bright spot, the company is under pressure to deliver consistent hits. With Vantage Studios now steering its biggest franchises, Ubisoft is betting on a more focused and empowered approach.

Looking ahead, Assassin’s Creed continues to expand with new DLC and a Black Flag remake. Rainbow Six Siege remains a live-service staple, while reports suggest a new Far Cry entry is in development. For fans, Vantage Studios could mean more consistent updates and a clearer creative direction for these long-running series.