Ubisoft’s Audio Description Journey

In 2020, I led a small taskforce to produce Ubisoft’s first audio description trailer. The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla World Premiere Trailer was one of the first audio described marketing trailers in the gaming industry. (Descriptive Video Works)

Later that year, we achieved an industry-first as the first gaming company to utilize YouTube’s multi-audio track feature, which was in beta. This allowed us to include the audio described track directly, rather than uploading a separate version - dramatically improving discoverability. (TechRadar)

How It Started

A New Standard

Screenshot of award image that says Ubisoft Forward - Most Accessible Gaming Event

In 2021, we produced Ubisoft’s first-ever audio described livestream event - Ubisoft Forward.

In 2022, we produced the most accessible event in Ubisoft’s history, with subtitles in 10 languages, 4 sign languages, and English audio description, winning the 2022 GAConf Awards’ “Most Accessible Gaming Event.”

Digital to IRL

In 2023, we produced Ubisoft’s first audio described live event - including both live and pre-recorded audio description.

In 2024, we provided audio description headsets for a live audience in addition to the virtual audio described livestream.

Text on event livestream screenshot says Ubisoft Forward Live from L.A. June 10-12 PM PDT / 9PM CEST English Audio Described

Accessible events include closed captions, sign language, accessible entrances and pathways, event staff trained in accessibility, adjustable desks and more.

Prioritize the start-to-finish attendee experience, learn and keep iterating to make your events accessible to as many people as possible.

Audio description is just one part of the journey.

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Award Shows (Coming Soon)