Ubisoft has introduced a new initiative called The Player Council, a play‑testing platform that invites members of the gaming community to try out upcoming ideas and give developers direct, actionable feedback. Built on the foundation of Ubisoft Connect and the Games2Gether community hub, the service is designed to bridge the gap between creators and players by allowing the latter to experience early‑stage concepts, experimental prototypes, and even live updates for existing PC titles.
During its soft‑launch phase, The Player Council will feature four distinct projects. Two of these are brand‑new prototypes: the multiplayer‑focused "Codename Split Point," which aims to explore innovative online combat mechanics, and the single‑player strategy title "Codename Rook," which will test novel approaches to tactical gameplay.
In addition, two already‑released games will be part of the program: the open‑world extreme‑sports title Riders Republic and the futuristic shooter Atomega. The inclusion of Atomega is particularly noteworthy because the game is slated to receive its first major update in nine years, giving long‑time fans a rare opportunity to influence the direction of a legacy title. Ubisoft explains that the purpose of The Player Council is to "test new ideas, gather player feedback and suggestions, and then make changes and develop future content based on community input." By involving players early in the development cycle, the company hopes to identify strengths and weaknesses before a full release, reducing the risk of costly redesigns later on.
Looking ahead, Ubisoft plans to expand the roster with two additional cooperative projects—"Codename Decagon" and "Codename Harlequin"—which are expected to join the platform later this year. These titles will further diversify the range of experiences available to testers, from asymmetrical multiplayer to narrative‑driven co‑op adventures. Participation in The Player Council is free, but interested players must first sign a non‑disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect confidential information.
After completing the registration process, users can apply to the projects that interest them. If a developer accepts an applicant, the tester gains access to the build, can play through the content, and is then invited to submit detailed feedback through surveys, discussion boards, or live chat sessions with the development team. The platform also encourages collaborative discussion among testers. Participants are grouped with other players who share similar interests, allowing them to exchange ideas about what works, what doesn’t, and how the experience could be refined.
Meanwhile, developers commit to sharing insights into their decision‑making processes, explaining why certain features are kept, altered, or discarded based on the community’s input. Ubisoft makes it clear that there is no charge for testing prototypes.
For live‑content testing, the only requirement is that the participant already owns the game in question. This policy ensures that the program remains accessible while also respecting the intellectual property of existing titles.
The Player Council employs a tiered access model. All new members start at the "Member Access" level, which grants basic testing privileges. As a player contributes more feedback and demonstrates consistent engagement, they can unlock higher tiers such as "Insider Access" and "Shaper Access." These advanced levels open the door to more sensitive projects, earlier‑stage builds, and exclusive content that is not yet public.
Ubisoft emphasizes that the platform is a living ecosystem. New tools, experimental features, and additional games will be added over time, giving the community a continual stream of fresh material to evaluate. This ongoing influx of content is intended to keep the dialogue between developers and players vibrant and mutually beneficial.
The launch of The Player Council aligns with Ubisoft’s broader strategic shift announced last month. In its 2025/26 annual report, the publisher outlined a move toward a "more selective model" that reduces reliance on the traditional, high‑stakes launch of new titles.
Instead, Ubisoft aims to lean more heavily on its back‑catalogue and live‑service games for steady revenue. The company argues that releasing a game prematurely, or timing a launch against competing blockbuster releases, major in‑game events, or surprise updates for other successful franchises can dilute commercial impact.
By fostering a continuous feedback loop through The Player Council, Ubisoft hopes to fine‑tune its offerings, extend the lifespan of its existing portfolio, and deliver experiences that resonate more deeply with its audience. In summary, The Player Council represents Ubisoft’s commitment to collaborative development. It offers gamers a structured yet flexible avenue to shape the future of both upcoming prototypes and beloved live‑service titles, while providing developers with a reliable source of player‑driven insight.
As the platform matures, it could become a cornerstone of Ubisoft’s evolving business model, blending community involvement with sustainable growth.