Police say ‘hoax’ emergency call scared Ubisoft Montreal studio



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Update 12:46 PST: Employees are escorted out of the building to safety and a strong police presence remains. Montreal police say “no threat has been identified”, while a group of people remain on the roof of the building.

Update 2:01 PST: According to the Journal de Montreal, those who were on the roof were evacuated one by one, with their hands raised. Police sources speaking to Canadian media confirm that the 911 call that triggered the emergency response was a “hoax.”

The original story follows

Reports are emerging that a possible hostage situation is underway at Ubisoft Montreal.

The Journal de Montreal newspaper reported that a “possible hostage-taking” is taking place in the building that houses Ubisoft’s offices in Montreal, Canada. Their reports indicate that “dozens of people” are being held hostage.

The Journal’s reports were quickly corroborated by Ubisoft employees working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Developer Eric Pope tweeted he was online with several office workers, who had to leave abruptly before the Journal report was published.

Aerial shots (via the Journal) show many people on the roof of the building, which houses other businesses outside of Ubisoft Montreal.

Some Ubisoft Montreal employees tweeted that they were in the building and were able to leave and are safe, while expressing concern for colleagues still in the building.

A spokesperson for Ubisoft told Gamasutra that the company is “aware of the situation and is working with local authorities.”

Update 12:30 p.m. PST: Police told Kim Vermette on Radio-Canada that the operation near the Ubisoft building in Montreal appears to be linked to an armed robbery.

Montreal police also tweeted that there are currently “no casualties” and that he inspects the building.

Update 12:46 PST: Employees are escorted out of the building to safety and a strong police presence remains. Montreal police say “no threat has been identified”, while a group of people remain on the roof of the building.

This is a story in development, we will update it when more details are confirmed by Ubisoft and the Montreal authorities.



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