Born: 1975 (Montreal, Canada)
Biography:
Jade Raymond, born on August 28, 1975, in Montreal, Canada, is a renowned video game creator and industry executive. She is best known for her pivotal role in co-creating the immensely popular Assassin’s Creed franchise and contributing to the development of the Watch Dogs series. In addition, Raymond played a significant role in establishing Ubisoft Toronto and EA Motive Studios, solidifying her impact on the gaming industry.
Raymond’s affinity for computer science began during her formative years. After graduating from St. George’s School of Montreal in 1992 and completing her studies at Marianopolis College in 1994, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at McGill University, graduating in 1998. This educational foundation laid the groundwork for a remarkable career in the gaming world.
Following her graduation, Raymond embarked on her professional journey at Sony, where she became a programmer and lent her expertise to Sony Online’s first Research and Development group. Her remarkable skills and proficiency in the field did not go unnoticed, as she quickly rose through the ranks and made valuable contributions to the company’s projects.
Raymond’s career gained further momentum when she joined Electronic Arts as a producer for the critically acclaimed game, The Sims Online. This experience showcased her ability to lead and manage successful game development projects. In 2004, she joined Ubisoft Montreal, marking the beginning of her extraordinary journey with the company.
At Ubisoft Montreal, Raymond spearheaded the creation of the seminal Assassin’s Creed game, which revolutionized the gaming industry with its immersive historical storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Serving as the executive producer of Assassin’s Creed II, she continued to make significant contributions to the franchise’s growth and success. Moreover, Raymond held the position of executive producer of new intellectual property at Ubisoft Montreal, overseeing the development of game titles such as Watch Dogs and The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot.
In 2010, Raymond took on a new challenge, moving to Toronto to establish Ubisoft’s new studio in the role of managing director. Her leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in the growth and success of Ubisoft Toronto, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the gaming industry.
Raymond’s passion for championing women’s advancement in the field of entertainment extends beyond her contributions to the video game industry. She serves on the Board of Directors of WIFTI, an organization dedicated to empowering women in film, television, and screen-based industries.
In 2015, Raymond embarked on a new chapter in her career, joining Electronic Arts once again. She founded Motive Studios, located in Montreal, and took charge of the renowned Visceral Games studio in California. Collaborating with esteemed games designer and writer Amy Hennig, Raymond contributed to the development of Star Wars games while also nurturing new original intellectual property.
Recognized for her trailblazing endeavors and impactful contributions, Raymond has received numerous prestigious awards. In July 2018, she was honored with the Develop Vanguard Award, which acknowledged her groundbreaking achievements over her 20-year career. Additionally, in October 2018, she was awarded the Pioneer Award at the Fun & Serious Game Festival for her remarkable contributions to the industry as a producer of innovative and influential games.
In March 2019, Raymond took on a new challenge by joining Google as a vice president. She assumed the role of heading Google’s Studios, Stadia Games and Entertainment, where she played a pivotal role in creating exclusive content for Google’s Stadia streaming service.
Raymond’s extraordinary career and influence continue to shape the gaming industry. Her passion for innovation, commitment to excellence, and dedication to empowering women in entertainment make her an inspiration for aspiring creators worldwide.
Awards:
– Develop Vanguard Award (2018)
– Pioneer Award from the Fun & Serious Game Festival (2018)