Ubisoft debuts Player Council platform to expand early game development feedback

What the report says

Bryant Francis,Senior Editor,GameDeveloper.comAugust 26, 20262 Min ReadImage via UbisoftUbisoft is rolling out a new platform aimed at offering players expanded input on its early-in-development games called The Player Council. Announced at Gamescom 2026, the new platform is being "soft launched" with an invitation for players to sign up for the opportunity to test "early concepts, prototypes, and live experiences" before they're launched to the public.The company is touting its new platform as a means of bringing players into the game development process and offering them a chance to connect directly with developers.

The platform will act as a two-way communication platform, educating Council members about the game development process and providing developers with a new venue for testing games.The platform is launching with four "projects" available for players to test. These include previously-launched games Riders Republic and Atomega, as well as two projects called "Codename Split Point" and "Codename Rook." Split Point is a multiplayer "tactical turn-based concept," and Rook is "a single-player strategy experience." Both are described as being "in the concept stage." Two other projects named "Codename Decagon" and "Codename Harlequin" will be added in autumn of 2026.Recruited players will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before applying to test new games and gaining access to a community of other testers.

The Council makes use of a tier system to reward players who regularly play and offer "constructive feedback." Players who advance to higher tiers will gain access to "more sensitive projects and early-stage content."Player Council director Vye Alexander explained to Game Developer that this form of testing is distinct from traditional external playtesting and is aimed at gathering player feedback before games even reach the "first playable prototype" stage of development. "The Player Council is really getting at incubating ideas with players instead of testing out market potential later on," she explained.Ubisoft has made mention of improving game quality several times in investment calls since 2025, and previously delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows in order to improve the title following player feedback.

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Shadows went on to deliver "the second-highest Day 1 sales revenue in franchise history," according to Ubisoft.According to Alexander, Ubisoft intends to progressively add more games to the Player Council platform, but it isn't mandating all Ubisoft games be put through the process. "Participation in The Player Council will always be evaluated on a case-by-case basis so each development team can decide if The Player Council is right for them," she said."Our vision with The Player Council is simple: build better games alongside our players. We’re looking forward to feedback at every step of this journey–for the games as well as the platform itself."UbisoftTop StoriesAbout the AuthorBryant FrancisSenior Editor, GameDeveloper.comBryant Francis is a writer, journalist, and narrative designer based in Boston, MA.

He currently writes for Game Developer, a leading B2B publication for the video game industry. His credits include Proxy Studios' 4X strategy game Zephon, Iron Anchor Studios' Down With The Ship, and Amplitude Studio's 2017 game Endless Space 2.See more from Bryant Francis