Ubisoft opens performance capture studio in Toronto

Ubisoft has opened a performance capture studio in Toronto to support the creation of high-quality content for games.

The performance capture studio will aid Ubisoft Toronto in the creation of "characters, more immersive storytelling and more filmic, actor-driven games."

“We are extremely proud to unveil a performance capture studio in Toronto after just two years of operation in the city,” said Yannis Mallat, CEO, Ubisoft Toronto and Montreal. “This is about more than just the creation of a cutting-edge facility - it’s about Ubisoft transforming our approach to storytelling with a focus on acting talent and the delivery of the highest-quality performance output for our cinematics and animation teams.

"The studio also is a testament to our confidence in the talent in Ontario to deliver some of the best performance capture in the industry for games.”

Techniques and technology used by the film industry will be adapted, and involves voice, facial and body performances from the actors all at the same time.

Here's the studio's features:

• A 2000 square foot performance volume to accommodate large, multi-character shoots
• 80 Vicon T160 Motion Capture Cameras to capture performances with high resolution, accuracy and flexibility
• Wireless Helmet Cameras for accurate facial capture that is then synched in real-time with voice and full body capture
• A sound stage featuring “box within a box” design to deliver high-quality performance capture
• High-load stunt and rigging beams to enable capture of dynamic, physical scenes for games

In addition to filming performance capture for projects at Ubisoft Toronto, including Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist, the local team will contribute to other Ubisoft projects being created at the company’s 26 studios around the world.

This work will help position the Toronto studio and Ontario at the forefront of what’s next in the video game industry expected to grow to $67 billion worldwide by the end of 2012.

"Ubisoft will continue to dedicate time and resources to support research and development projects with external academic partners," said the firm in a statement. "Reinforcing its commitment, Ubisoft Toronto will join forces with Sheridan College and its Screen Industries and Research Training Centre (SIRT) to identify, define and pursue research projects in the field of virtual production to reach new levels of excellence.

"In addition, Ubisoft plans to share its expertise and practical knowledge to positively impact game-related training curriculums at Sheridan College with the intent to help give students in video game programs hands-on access to cutting edge tools, facilities and techniques."

Have a look at the new studio in the shots below.