Employees enjoy serious fun at WB Games Montréal

Ann Lemay loves the freedom to work from her Montréal home with her cat on her lap and some home-brewed coffee at her elbow. And thanks to the innovation, cutting-edge technology and commitment of WB Games Montréal Ltd., she has the world at her fingertips.

“Working remotely allows me to be creative in my own space and still meet with my team so we can bounce ideas off each other virtually,” says Lemay, narrative director.

“I love what I’m able to do as a director, working with my team to ensure quality and having fun while we’re doing it. It makes me feel empowered as an employee.”

WB Games Montréal develops state-of-the-art video games like Batman: Arkman Origins and Gotham Knights for major platforms like Xbox, Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Series X/S. A subsidiary of Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment, its 359 employees include directors, writers, animators, artists, designers and software engineers.

It’s fast-paced and demanding work, but Lemay and her fellow employees are supported by a company that looks after their physical and mental well-being as well as providing flexible work arrangements. WB Games Montréal offers extensive education and training programs and incentives to keep employees current in the high-tech gaming space, including tuition subsidies, online training and paid internships.

For employees who prefer to go into the office under the company’s hybrid work model, WB Games Montréal has open and bright headquarters without cubicles. The rooftop patio has great views of Mont Royal and is the focal point for employee barbeques and happy hours.

Stephane Roy, head of studio, says WB Games Montréal has worked hard to create an overall employee experience designed to attract and retain top talent in the ultra-competitive gaming market.

“We’re not just competing with the city of Montréal or the province Québec – now the planet is the playground we’re in,” says Roy.

“You need to take care of your people and make sure they grow with you and feel safe because it’s not just a question of money. It’s more than just yoga classes and free beer. It’s ensuring employees feel they’re part of the studio and they’re listened to.”

WB Games Montréal creates a secure workplace culture by embracing values like caring, collaboration and playful creativity. Lemay loves the company’s commitment to equity and inclusion, which allowed her to develop a ‘diverse voices’ internship for her department. Not only did the company hire a talented new intern, but it also identified a pool of potential employees in the process.

“Equality, transparency and fairness have been my experience at WB Games – that’s what I live for,” says Lemay.

“It gives us the freedom to get things done by collaborating, treating each other well and having fun while we’re doing what we love.”

While the company is plugged in globally, it also takes care of its own backyard through community connection. WB Games Montréal donates annually to organizations that help the homeless and supports school outreach programs. Employees also receive paid time to volunteer for charitable causes.

Another key connection is with the company’s parent corporation, Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. Being part of a multi-billion-dollar entertainment empire opens the doors for employee career advancement.

“There are so many different aspects to Warner Brothers – games, movies, television shows and more,” says Roy.

“If you join WB Games Montréal, you can learn and grow with us starting as a young artist to becoming a project lead and finally an expert and master of the craft. The gaming industry is moving fast and we give you the opportunity to move with it.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Montreal’s Top Employers winners, published February 28, 2023 in the Montreal Gazette. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.