UbiArt Framework
UbiArt Framework is a 2D game engine used by Ubisoft and created to make it easier for artists to implement their graphics and animations into a game.
History
The engine was originally developed for Rayman Origins and was originally planned to be open-source and available to the public. However as the project grew in complexity it was decided against it and the engine remained closed source.
In an interview with IGN in April 2019[1] Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot explains why the framework isn't being used as much anymore, stating the "tools were difficult to use". He however goes on by saying that “It’s still there, and you will see other things using it, but it’s not as predominant as it used to be”. As of 2020 the engine is only being used for Just Dance, mobile games and ports.
Common formats
Archives (.ipk)
The majority of the UbiArt games use IPK files to store all related game files. This format is a custom archive file where multiple files can be packed, maintaining their original directory structure. Files can be compressed, which is usually only the case for larger textures. The majority of the games use zlib compression while later games use LZMA.
Actors (.act)
Actors are objects that behaves in a certain way. They can behave on their own or react to events. Common actors are playable characters and enemies.
Friezes
Friezes are static scenery objects, such as level environments.
Scenes (.isc)
Scenes are a collection of actors and friezes, usually some sort of game map. These can be game levels, menus etc.
Games
| Name | Developer(s) | First release | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rayman Origins | Ubisoft Montpellier | November 15, 2011 | PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, Windows, Nintendo 3DS, OS X |
| Rayman Jungle Run | Ubisoft Casablanca, Pastagames | September 20, 2012 | iOS, Android, Windows, Windows Phone |
| Rayman Legends | Ubisoft Montpellier | August 29, 2013 | PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Rayman Fiesta Run | Ubisoft Casablanca | November 7, 2013 | Android, iOS, Windows, Windows Phone |
| Rayman Adventures | Ubisoft Casablanca | 2015 | Android, iOS, tvOS (Apple TV) |
| Rayman Mini | Ubisoft Montpellier, Pastagames | September 19, 2019 | iOS, macOS (Mac OS X), tvOS (Apple TV) |
| Child of Light | Ubisoft Montreal | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets | Nintendo 3DS | ||
| Just Dance 2014 | Ubisoft Paris | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2015 | Ubisoft Paris | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2016 | Ubisoft Paris | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2017 | Ubisoft Paris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2018 | Ubisoft Paris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2019 | Ubisoft Paris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2020 | Ubisoft Paris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Wii, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2021 | Ubisoft Paris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance 2022 | Ubisoft Paris | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | |
| Just Dance Wii U | Ubisoft Paris | Wii U | |
| Rayman Legends Challenges App | Wii U | ||
| Valiant Hearts: The Great War | Ubisoft Montpellier | Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One | |
| Yo-Kai Watch Dance: Just Dance Special Version | Ubisoft Paris | Wii U |