Assassin's Creed Franchise Undergoes Significant Restructuring
The Assassin's Creed series is experiencing its most substantial shake-up to date, as Clint Hocking, the creative director behind the upcoming title Assassin's Creed Hexe, has left Ubisoft. This departure marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, which has been navigating behind-the-scenes turbulence despite strong commercial performance.
Financial Context and Franchise Health
Ubisoft has been grappling with financial challenges following a series of underperforming releases, yet the Assassin's Creed brand has remained robust. The latest installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, received critical acclaim and solid sales, prompting CEO Yves Guillemot to label the franchise as 'over-performing' during a November earnings call. However, this success has not shielded the series from internal changes, culminating in Hocking's exit.
Details of the Director Departure
As reported by VGC, Clint Hocking, renowned for his work on Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Far Cry 2, and Watch Dogs: Legion, has departed Ubisoft. Hocking had previously left the company in 2010, returning five years later, but the reasons for his latest exit remain undisclosed. Development on Assassin's Creed Hexe will continue under new creative director Jean Guesdon, who previously led Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and Assassin's Creed Origins.
New Leadership and Studio Structure
Jean Guesdon is part of a trio of newly appointed executives overseeing the Assassin's Creed IP. He will guide the franchise's direction at Ubisoft's new subsidiary, Vantage Studios, alongside Martin Schelling and François de Billy. Schelling has extensive experience with the series, dating back to Assassin's Creed: Revelations in 2011, while de Billy served as production director on Assassin's Creed: Valhalla and Origins.
A Ubisoft spokesperson commented on Hocking's departure, stating, 'We sincerely thank [Clint] for his vision, creative contributions, and dedication over the years, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter. Development on Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe continues with a seasoned team.'
Project Hexe and Broader Franchise Developments
Assassin's Creed Hexe was initially announced in 2022 and is rumored to incorporate horror elements akin to Blair Witch, though no updates have been released since its reveal. This change is not isolated; series veteran Marc-Alexis Côté left Ubisoft in October and later filed a lawsuit alleging a 'disguised dismissal.'
Despite these disruptions, Ubisoft appears committed to addressing issues at all levels. Last week, CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that 'several' Assassin's Creed titles are in development, including both single-player and multiplayer games. Alongside Hexe, rumors suggest a remake of Black Flag is among the projects.
Implications for Ubisoft's Future
While Assassin's Creed has been a consistent performer for Ubisoft, the recent exits and restructuring indicate a broader effort to revitalize the company. This shake-up underscores Ubisoft's determination to tackle internal challenges head-on, even within its most successful franchise. As development progresses, fans can expect further announcements regarding the future of the Assassin's Creed universe.
