UbiArt Framework explained

UbiArt Framework
Developer:Ubisoft Montpellier
Released:2010
Operating System:Cross-platform
Programming Language:C++
Genre:Game engine
License:Proprietary

The UbiArt Framework is a 2.5D video game engine developed by Ubisoft Montpellier. Its function is to organize 2D animated vector graphics[1] into a playable video game without extensive coding.[2]

History

In 2010, Ubisoft announced Rayman Origins, first an episodic video game designed by Michel Ancel and developed by a small team of five people, but it was announced that it transformed into a full game. The title uses the UbiArt Framework developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and Ancel. UbiArt is a developer platform that allows artists and animators to easily create content and use it in an interactive environment.[3] The engine is optimized for HD resolutions and is capable of running games at 60 frames per second in resolutions exceeding 1080p.

Ancel has expressed his desire for the framework to be available for anybody to develop games with.[4] However, no public release or licensing option has been made available.

On April 9, 2019, in an interview with IGN, Yves explained why the engine was not being used as initially planned and explains that the "tools were difficult to use". The plan was to distribute the engine to other studios with Guillemot saying "at one point we wanted to give them to everybody [in Ubisoft].” However, they decided not to as they wanted to “spend a lot of time with a lot of people to actually help people to use it.” But the engine is not abandoned as Guillemot explained “It’s still there, and you will see other things using it, but it’s not as predominant as it used to be”, meaning the engine hasn't been forgotten.[5]

Games developed with UbiArt Framework

YearTitlePlatform(s)
PS3PSVitaPS4PS5Wii3DSWii UNSWinX360XONEXSX/SIOSAndroidOS XStadia
2011Rayman Origins
2012Rayman Jungle Run
2013Rayman Legends Challenge App
2013Rayman Legends
2013Rayman Fiesta Run
2013Just Dance 2014
2014Child of Light
2014
2014Just Dance Wii U
2014Just Dance 2015
2015
2015Rayman Adventures
2015Just Dance 2016
2015
2016Just Dance 2017
2017Just Dance 2018
2018Just Dance 2019
2019Rayman Mini
2019Just Dance 2020
2020Just Dance 2021
2021Just Dance 2022

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How to create an animation in UBIart Framework. June 7, 2010. www.ubi.com. July 22, 2014 .
  2. Web site: UbiArt Framework: small tool up and up ... . fr. September 23, 2013. www.gamekult.com. July 22, 2014. William Audureau.
  3. http://ubi-art.uk.ubi.com/2010/07/07/how-do-you-create-an-animation-in-ubiart-framework/ How do you create an animation in UBIart Framework?, UBIart
  4. Web site: Ancel wants UbiArt tech to be free for all. MCV. 11 July 2011.
  5. Web site: Ubisoft Boss explains why we haven't seen any UbiArt games lately. 2019-04-11. Critical Hit. en-GB. 2019-06-03.