Patrice Désilets, the creative director behind the original Assassin's Creed, is bringing his long-gestating project 1666: Amsterdam to early access on August 25, 2026. In an interview with GameCentral, Désilets discussed the game's evolution, his use of generative AI, and his deliberate distance from the Assassin's Creed franchise.
From THQ Montreal to Panache Digital Games
1666: Amsterdam began development at THQ Montreal in 2010, but was suspended after Ubisoft acquired the studio and fired Désilets. After a legal battle, Désilets regained the rights in 2016. The game now represents the second title from his studio, Panache Digital Games, following 2019's Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey.
Désilets noted that the game has changed significantly since its inception. "The only thing between the two that remains is 1999 and 1666, and Amsterdam," he said. The witch element was introduced in January 2020, when he decided to "do to the witches what I did to the assassins."
Early Access and Generative AI
The game will launch in early access, a move Désilets says is intentional. "It's a narrative driven game in early access but there is a toy component of it where you can have fun," he explained. He noted that the average early access period is one year, and 1666: Amsterdam will likely follow that pattern.
Regarding generative AI, Désilets acknowledged its use in development but stressed that all final assets will be "retouched by a human." He said, "I get the ethical aspect of it also, that's why I asked my team, 'OK that's it.'"
Distance from Assassin's Creed
Désilets has not played an Assassin's Creed game since 2012's Assassin's Creed 3, which he played for two hours. He explained, "I see the matrix. So I said 'enough'... I'm protecting myself from it." He also revealed that Ubisoft has never consulted him on the franchise or the cancelled Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake.
Despite the distance, Désilets remains proud of his work on The Sands of Time, which he called "a good game." He aims to recreate the team size and fun of that project at Panache.
Why History Matters
Désilets' fascination with history is a conscious choice. He said, "Why I like history is that it's a fantasy world for us... It's as strange to us as a totally invented world." He cited his grandmother's life as an example, from a small town in Quebec to using Facebook.
The game's early access launch on August 25 will be a key test for Désilets' vision, as he hopes to finish the game together with its players.
