Ubisoft buys special effects firm Hybride

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Ubisoft said Tuesday it has bought Canadian special effects studio Hybride Technologies in a move that will wed the French firm's hot videogames with Hollywood films.

Montreal-based Hybride has put its cinematic special effects prowess to work in films including "Sin City" and animated blockbuster "300."

Ubisoft intends to use Hybride technology to make more film-like videogames and as leverage for getting movies made from its titles, such as its franchise based on Tom Clancy military espionage fiction novels.

"This alliance is a true first for the industry," said Yannis Mallat, head of Ubisoft's studio in Montreal. "Ubisoft and Hybride share the same vision of entertainment convergence."

Hybride, which ...