Another Veteran Leaves Ubisoft: Assassin’s Creed Hexe Director Exits, Fourth Major Departure in Six Months

Leadership Shakeup at Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Hexe

The highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is facing another significant leadership transition, adding to its tumultuous development journey. Following the departure of creative director Clint Hocking earlier this year, the project has now lost its game director, Benoit Richer, who is leaving to embark on new ventures as a co-founder of an indie studio called Servo Games.

Richer’s New Chapter

In a recent announcement shared on his LinkedIn profile, Richer described this transition as “the beginning of a new chapter”in his professional life. After nearly two decades at Ubisoft, which included two separate tenures interspersed with time at EA and a significant six-year period at WB Games Montreal, he is making a bold move to the indie sector.

Creative Direction Changes

Following Hocking’s exit, Ubisoft appointed Jean Guesdon, the brand head for Assassin’s Creed, to take over as creative director. We have reached out to the company to inquire about Richer’s successor but have yet to receive a response. We will update this piece with any new information as it becomes available.

Patterns of Departure

Richer’s resignation adds to a concerning trend of veteran developers leaving Ubisoft. In recent months, the company has witnessed exits from prominent figures such as Marc-Alexis Côté, who had a long history with the franchise, and Julian Gerighty, head of The Division franchise, who transitioned to EA. This string of departures raises questions about the internal dynamics at Ubisoft, particularly within its Assassin’s Creed division.

Talent Drain amidst Restructuring

The departures seem particularly impactful given that they occur amidst a “major reset”following the establishment of Ubisoft’s new subsidiary, Vantage Studios, and widespread company restructuring aimed at revitalizing operations by 2026. In less than six months, Ubisoft has seen a considerable exodus of talent, which could have long-term implications for its projects.

Future Outlook for Assassin’s Creed

While the gaming community is buzzing with excitement over Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, there remains uncertainty regarding the franchise’s future beyond potential remakes. The ongoing veteran departures, whether voluntary or otherwise, signal a potential crisis that could affect the stability of the Assassin’s Creed series moving forward.

Optimism in New Ventures

On a brighter note, the creation of Servo Games exemplifies the positive outcomes that can arise when experienced developers branch out on their own. Recent trends, such as those established by Sandfall Interactive, illustrate that former Ubisoft talent can yield successful new projects which may even excel at awards recognizing game excellence, potentially outshining titles like Elden Ring. The future remains uncertain, but the talent departing from Ubisoft has the potential to lead to exciting new gaming experiences.

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