UbiArt Framework

The logo for the UbiArt engine

The UbiArt engine is a 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 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

The following games use the UbiArt engine:

Name	PC	Nintendo Wii	Nintendo 3DS	Nintendo Wii U	Nintendo Switch	PlayStation 3	PlayStation Vita	PlayStation 4	Xbox 360	Xbox One	Android	iOS	Mac	Apple TV	Windows Phone
Rayman Origins	✔	✔	✔			✔	✔		✔				✔
Rayman Jungle Run	✔										✔	✔			✔
Rayman Legends Challenges App				✔
Rayman Legends	✔			✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Rayman Fiesta Run	✔										✔	✔			✔
Just Dance 2014		✔		✔		✔		✔	✔	✔
Child of Light	✔			✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Valiant Hearts: The Great War	✔				✔	✔		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
Just Dance Wii U				✔
Just Dance 2015		✔		✔		✔		✔	✔	✔
Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets			✔
Rayman Adventures											✔	✔		✔
Just Dance 2016		✔		✔		✔		✔	✔	✔
Yo-kai Watch Dance: Just Dance Special Version				✔
Just Dance 2017	✔	✔		✔	✔	✔		✔	✔	✔
Just Dance 2018		✔		✔	✔	✔		✔	✔	✔
Just Dance 2019		✔		✔	✔			✔	✔	✔
Rayman Mini												✔	✔	✔
Just Dance 2020		✔			✔			✔		✔
Just Dance 2021					✔			✔		✔
Just Dance 2022					✔			✔		✔

See also

• OpenSpace
• Jade (engine)
• LyN

External links

• Official website (archived)