Ubisoft has introduced a new initiative called The Player Council, a play‑testing platform that allows members of the gaming community to try out upcoming ideas and give their thoughts straight to the creators. Built on the foundation of Ubisoft Connect and the Games2Gether community framework, the council serves as a bridge between players and developers, enabling the testing of both nascent prototypes and live, in‑progress experiences for existing PC titles.
During its soft launch, The Player Council will feature four distinct projects. Two of these are early‑stage prototypes: the multiplayer experiment codenamed "Split Point" and the single‑player strategy venture titled "Rook." In addition, two fully released games will be part of the initial lineup – Riders Republic and Atomega – giving council members the opportunity to evaluate live content and suggest improvements. Atomega, for instance, is slated to receive its first major update in nine years. Ubisoft explains that by taking part in The Player Council, players help the studio "test fresh concepts, collect player feedback and suggestions, and then shape future content based on community input." This collaborative approach is intended to make the development cycle more responsive and player‑centric.
The roadmap for the council includes the later‑year addition of two cooperative projects, currently referred to as "Decagon" and "Harlequin." These will expand the range of genres and play styles available for testing, further enriching the feedback loop. Joining the council is free of charge, though prospective participants must sign a non‑disclosure agreement (NDA) before they can apply to any of the listed projects. Once registered, members can submit applications to the various titles. If a developer approves an applicant, that player gains access to the game or prototype, can play it, and is then asked to provide structured feedback.
Feedback is not collected in isolation. The platform pairs participants with other testers so they can discuss potential improvements together, while developers share insights into their decision‑making processes as they evaluate the data and iterate on the builds. Ubisoft emphasizes that there is no fee associated with testing prototypes, and that testing of live content is only open to those who already own the relevant game. The council uses a tiered access system.
All new members start at the "Member Access" level. As they contribute more feedback and demonstrate consistent engagement, they can unlock higher tiers such as "Insider Access" and "Shaper Access." These advanced levels grant entry to more sensitive projects and earlier‑stage content, providing a deeper look into the studio’s creative pipeline. Ubisoft also notes that the platform will continuously evolve, with fresh tools, features, games and prototypes being added over time.
This ongoing expansion is meant to keep the community engaged and to provide the studio with a steady stream of real‑world player data. The launch of The Player Council aligns with a broader strategic shift announced by Ubisoft last month. The publisher is moving toward a "more selective model" that reduces dependence on the traditional launch‑cycle of individual games. Instead, Ubisoft plans to lean more heavily on its existing catalogue and live‑service titles for sustained revenue.
In its 2025/26 annual report, the company warned that releasing a game prematurely, or at a time when it must compete with other major releases, in‑game events, or unannounced updates for legacy titles, can severely blunt its commercial impact. By involving players early through The Player Council, Ubisoft hopes to mitigate those risks, ensuring that games are polished, well‑timed and aligned with player expectations before they hit the broader market.