Québec Bill 96 language law places local gaming industry at risk
Ubisoft Montreal, Warner Brothers Games Montreal, Eidos Montréal and Behaviour Interactive are just some of the studios based in Québec.An anonymous source speaking to CBC revealed some of the growing concerns among non-native industry workers in Québec.“You already see it, with some people who are looking at Bill 96 and saying ‘Ok, it’s time for me to pack up and leave.’” The source then went on to say, “…some international developers learn English just to work in the sector. Having to learn French on top of that might be a bridge too far for some, when they can easily get a job in Ontario or Vancouver instead, where the gaming industry is rapidly growing.”For example, one part of the bill states that immigrants who have lived in Québec for over six months will have to access government services through French.Speaking to CBC, Québec’s Office for the Protection of the French Language responded to concerns with “All sectors must contribute to the effort to ensure the sustainability of our official and common language.”According to the article, Québec is also experiencing a shortage of video game industry workers and local Francophone graduates are being lured to California and Sweden by better job offers.