Jade Raymond stands as one of the most influential figures in the gaming industry, renowned for her pivotal role in creating blockbuster franchises, founding world-class studios, and championing innovation and inclusivity in game development.
Early Career and Technical Roots
Born in Montreal in 1975, Raymond earned a computer science degree from McGill University. She began her career as a programmer, securing her first job within days of graduation. Early roles at Sony Online Entertainment and Electronic Arts—where she worked as a technical producer on The Sims Online—provided her with a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the creative and engineering challenges of game development.
Breakthrough with Assassin’s Creed
Raymond’s career-defining moment came at Ubisoft Montreal, where she was tasked with producing the original Assassin’s Creed. Unlike her previous work on established franchises, this project allowed her to help create a new brand from the ground up. Raymond envisioned a game world that would remain engaging for both players and developers, emphasizing creative longevity and depth. Her leadership and hands-on approach with the core team helped establish Montreal as a major global hub for game development.
Studio Leadership and New Ventures
Following the success of Assassin’s Creed, Raymond founded Ubisoft Toronto, building the studio from scratch and overseeing major projects like Splinter Cell: Blacklist. She later returned to Montreal to launch Motive Studios for Electronic Arts, where she worked on new Star Wars games and original IPs. In 2019, she was appointed to lead Google’s Stadia Games and Entertainment division, though the project was ultimately discontinued.
In 2021, Raymond founded Haven Studios in Montreal, which was soon acquired by Sony to become the first PlayStation Studio in Canada. Haven’s debut project, Fairgames, aimed to innovate in the online multiplayer space. Although Raymond recently left the studio after an external test of the game, her vision and leadership were widely credited as instrumental to its formation and direction.
Industry Recognition and Advocacy
Raymond is celebrated not only for her creative achievements but also for her leadership and advocacy. She has received the New York Video Game Critics Circle Legend Award and the Pioneer Award at the Guggenheim Museum Games Festival. She has been named among Variety’s top 500 most influential business leaders and ranked #1 on Maclean’s Power List of Canadian Gaming Tycoons in 2023.
Her commitment to inclusivity is well documented—she has volunteered on boards supporting women and youth in tech and gaming, and is known for fostering diverse, collaborative teams.
Legacy
Jade Raymond’s career exemplifies the impact of visionary leadership in gaming. From pioneering open-world action with Assassin’s Creed to building innovative studios and advocating for a more inclusive industry, she has helped shape the modern landscape of interactive entertainment. Her journey continues to inspire aspiring developers, industry professionals, and anyone who believes in the power of games to tell meaningful stories and bring people together.