Quebec video game companies will be affected by a controversial new language law.
The aim of Bill 96 is to strengthen the language laws of the French-speaking province, ensuring that French is the main language spoken in everything from business to health care.
However, it is feared that this will take those who do not speak French away from Quebec’s sizeable video game industry.
Eurogamer Newscast: What can Sony do to improve PlayStation Plus Premium?
Several major developers are in Quebec, such as Ubisoft (Immortals Fenyx Rising), Warner Bros. Games (Gotham Knights), Behavior (Dead by Daylight), Gameloft (the Asphalt series) and Eidos Montreal (Guardians of the Galaxy). .
More than 11,000 people work in Quebec’s video game industry, which generates nearly $ 1.35 billion in revenue for the province each year, according to the Quebec Ministry of Industry.
An anonymous source speaking to CBC said many gaming industry workers are now looking to leave Quebec.
“You see, with some people who are looking at Bill 96 and saying,‘ Okay, it’s time to pack up and leave, ’” he said.
Because English is the default language for much of the gaming industry, he said having to learn French would drive potential workers away from Quebec.
“I don’t see Quebec companies being able to attract talent if that’s what they have to do [contend with]”He said.
Christopher Chancey, chairman of the board of the Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec, responded that the organization admits that French is the default language in the Quebec gaming industry.
“But we have a lot of people coming from all over the world to make video games here in Quebec,” he said. “Our fear is that this will send a message [that Québec is] not inclusive in other cultures.
“I think everyone understands the importance of the French language … I think it’s just a matter of guaranteeing it [newcomers] feel included too “.
The newly formed Office for the Protection of the French Language told CBC: “All sectors must contribute to the effort to ensure the sustainability of our official and common language.”
The French government recently banned the official use of anglicized game terms, which helped the Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec.