Former Assassin’s Creed Boss Comments on Ubisoft Departure: “I Didn’t Make That Choice”
Assassin’s Creed is a multifaceted series that, for many years, was led by one man — Marc-Alexis Côté. However, he is no longer part of Ubisoft and has explained that it wasn’t his decision to leave the company.
As previously reported, Ubisoft announced that Marc-Alexis Côté, the head of Assassin’s Creed, has left the studio. Initially, it seemed like the developer had chosen to move in a new direction, but that doesn’t tell the full story.
Côté shared his thoughts on the matter in a post on LinkedIn.
Marc-Alexis Côté’s Comments on His Departure
“Many of you have expressed surprise that I would choose to leave Assassin’s Creed after so many years, especially given the passion I still hold for it,” wrote Côté. “The truth is simple: I did not make that choice.”
“Ubisoft decided to transfer the leadership of the Assassin’s Creed franchise to someone closer to its new organizational structure. A different position was mentioned, but it did not carry the same scope, mandate, or continuity with the work I had been entrusted with in recent years,” he explained.
It’s worth remembering that the Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six franchises are now under the management of Vantage Studios, a Ubisoft subsidiary supported by Tencent, led by co-CEO Christophe Derennes (a Ubisoft veteran) and Charlie Guillemot (son of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot).
A Grateful but Honest Farewell
Côté said he feels “no resentment” and will “will always be grateful for the people, the projects, and the belief that together we could create worlds that inspire millions.”
“But I also owe it to my teams, past and present, to say this plainly: I did not walk away. I stayed at my post until Ubisoft asked me to step aside,” he added.
“As someone who grew up inspired by Star Trek (TNG!), in the later years of my career I came to see myself as the captain of the Assassin’s Creed ship, someone who leaves only once every soul on board is safe. And that is exactly what I have done for as long as I could.”
In short, while Côté technically left Ubisoft, it appears that he did so after being moved into a role that didn’t reflect his previous responsibilities or contributions.
