Summary Points
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Leadership Turmoil: Clint Hocking, a 20-year veteran and creative director of the next Assassin’s Creed game, Hexe, has departed Ubisoft, continuing the company’s turbulent leadership changes.
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Transition in Creative Direction: Jean Guedson, known for his work on highly-rated titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Black Flag, will take over as the new creative director for Hexe.
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Ongoing Challenges: Ubisoft faces a series of setbacks, including reorganization under “creative houses,” layoffs, studio closures, and recent controversies regarding employee treatment.
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Nepotism Noted: Despite challenges, Charlie Guillemot, son of Ubisoft’s CEO, has been appointed co-CEO of Vantage Studios, highlighting ongoing concerns over nepotism within the company.
Ubisoft’s Creative Director for Assassin’s Creed Exits Mid-Development
Ubisoft is experiencing major changes once again. Clint Hocking, the creative director for the next Assassin’s Creed game codenamed Hexe, has left the company. His departure, announced in a staff meeting this week, raises questions about the game’s future.
Hocking, a veteran with 20 years at Ubisoft, boasts an impressive portfolio. He previously directed acclaimed titles like Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Far Cry 2, and Watch Dogs: Legion. Although the reasons behind his exit remain unclear, Ubisoft reassured fans that development on Hexe will proceed. Jean Guedson, who led the creative direction for successful entries such as Assassin’s Creed Origins and Black Flag, will step in as the new creative director.
However, Ubisoft has faced turbulence lately. The company revamped its corporate structure, introducing a system of “creative houses.” This shift led to the formation of Vantage Studios, partially owned by Tencent, which now oversees the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Furthermore, last year saw the departure of franchise head Marc-Alexis Côté, who claims he was “asked to step aside.”
The environment at Ubisoft has not been easy, characterized by layoffs, studio closures, and even strikes. This month, the company dismissed an employee who criticized its return-to-office policy. Yet, not all news is bleak. The company still fosters talent from within. Recently, Charlie Guillemot, the son of Ubisoft’s CEO, became co-CEO of Vantage Studios, highlighting a shift towards appointing emerging leaders.
As Ubisoft presses on with Hocking’s departure, the gaming community remains hopeful. With new leadership and a commitment to creativity, Hexe may still deliver a compelling experience for fans.
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