Photo courtesy of Ubisoft
OCAD University alums Sally Luc and Parth Soni are changing the game when it comes to immersive video games and interactive experiences.
The Digital Futures (2017) grads have won this year’s Ubisoft Indie Series as the National Bank Special Prize Winner of $25,000, and mentorship and financial counsel from Ubisoft and National Bank.
“Having had the pleasure of teaching Sally and Parth over their years at Digital Futures, I am thrilled that their amazing work at Thousand Stars has been recognized and supported by the Ubisoft Indie Series, I look forward to continuing to celebrate their successes!” says Dr. Emma Westecott, Associate Professor, Game Design.
In 2017, Luc and Soni’s studio, Thousand Stars, began as a service company that provided game development and management skill sets in video games, location-based entertainment, and virtual reality. Now, Thousand Stars Studio has grown to work with major clients such as Hasbro, Secret Location, Dark Slope Studios, Stitch Media, Tru Luv and Smallax Productions. The studio’s titles include Botabot and Milkyway VR.
Luc and Soni are resourceful and tactful game designers who are passionate about getting creative with their projects – story-driven, imaginative games with a multi-cultural approach.
The alums are working to create a new game under the Thousand Stars Studio label, which remains unannounced, and which they pitched at the Ubisoft Indie Series to score the prize money and mentorship opportunities.
"It was a lot of fun and a privilege to speak with the Ubi Team and Jury,” says Soni. “Got a lot of great feedback from them. The prize was a great validation of all the hard work the team has put into the project! Very excited for everyone to play the game!"
The annual competition is a collaboration between Ubisoft and the National Bank of Canada, wherein two studios are granted funding and mentorship to bring their game to market. Luc and Soni won alongside Rocket Adrift studio.
"We are truly grateful for this honour,” says Luc. “We have been building our company for a long time, and for us, it's very validating to know we're working in the right direction with Ubisoft's Indie Series National Bank Special Prize. Thank you to everyone in the gaming community who has believed and supported us to this date!"
OCAD U congratulates Thousand Stars Studio on its big win!