Ubisoft has introduced a new initiative known as The Player Council, a play‑testing platform that gives members of the gaming community the opportunity to experiment with upcoming ideas and offer direct input to the studios that create them. The service is being rolled out in a soft‑launch phase and is integrated with Ubisoft Connect as well as the Games2Gether community network, allowing participants to engage with both experimental prototypes and live, ongoing experiences within existing PC titles.
During this initial rollout, four distinct projects are available for testing. Two of these are early‑stage prototypes: the multiplayer‑focused "Codename Split Point," which explores innovative online combat mechanics, and the single‑player strategy title "Codename Rook," which aims to blend tactical decision‑making with narrative depth. In addition to these fresh concepts, the platform also includes two live games that are already on the market: the extreme‑sports open‑world title Riders Republic and the sci‑fi shooter Atomega.
Atomega, for instance, is slated to receive its first major update in nine years, a milestone that underscores how The Player Council can serve as a conduit for revitalising legacy titles. Ubisoft explains that by involving players in the council, the company can "test new ideas, gather player feedback and suggestions, and then make changes and develop future content based on community input." This collaborative loop is intended to ensure that future patches, expansions, or even entirely new game modes are shaped by the preferences and insights of the very audience that will ultimately experience them. Looking ahead, Ubisoft plans to broaden the roster of co‑op experiments with two additional projects—"Codename Decagon" and "Codename Harlequin"—which are expected to join the platform later in the year. These titles will further diversify the range of genres and gameplay styles that council members can explore.
Participation is free of charge, though prospective testers must first sign a non‑disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect the confidentiality of unreleased material. After completing the registration process, members can submit applications for the projects that interest them. If a developer accepts an applicant, the player gains access to the designated build, can play through it, and is then invited to submit structured feedback. The feedback process is designed to be collaborative.
Players are grouped with other council members to discuss potential improvements, while developers provide transparency by sharing insights into their decision‑making processes as they evaluate the suggestions and iterate on the builds. Ubisoft emphasizes that there is no monetary cost associated with testing prototypes, and that testing of live‑content expansions is only available to participants who already own the corresponding game. The Player Council employs a tiered access system.
All new members start at the "Member Access" level, which grants basic testing privileges. As participants contribute more feedback and demonstrate consistent engagement, they can ascend to higher tiers. The "Insider Access" and "Shaper Access" levels unlock increasingly sensitive projects and earlier‑stage content, giving the most active community members a deeper glimpse into Ubisoft's creative pipeline. Ubisoft also signals that the platform will evolve over time, with fresh features, development tools, new game concepts, and additional prototypes slated for addition as the service matures.
This ongoing expansion aims to keep the community engaged and to provide a steady stream of fresh data for the studios. The launch of The Player Council aligns with Ubisoft's broader strategic shift announced last month. The publisher indicated that it intends to move toward a "more selective model" for releasing titles, reducing its dependence on high‑volume, single‑launch revenue spikes. Instead, Ubisoft plans to lean more heavily on its existing catalogue and live‑service offerings, generating steadier income through continuous updates and community‑driven content.
In its 2025/26 annual report, the company warned that releasing a game prematurely, or launching it alongside competing AAA releases, major technical innovations, or simultaneous in‑game events can dilute commercial impact. By involving players early through The Player Council, Ubisoft hopes to mitigate those risks, ensuring that new releases are polished, well‑timed, and aligned with player expectations.
In summary, The Player Council represents Ubisoft's commitment to fostering a more interactive relationship with its audience. By granting gamers direct access to early builds, encouraging open dialogue, and rewarding active contributors with deeper access, the platform seeks to create a feedback loop that benefits both developers and players.
As more projects are added and the tier system matures, the council could become a cornerstone of Ubisoft's development strategy, shaping the future of its games through collaborative, community‑sourced insight.