Assassin’s creed hexe suffers setback as director exits, raising questions about future
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Hexe project, shrouded in secrecy since its announcement in 2022, has suffered another significant blow – the departure of game director Benoit Richer. The news, delivered via a LinkedIn post, throws the ambitious, ‘very different’ stealth title into further uncertainty.
A shifting landscape at ubisoft montreal
Richer, a veteran of the studio with a pedigree stretching back to 2000, is moving to independent developer Servo Games, where he’ll co-found and direct new projects. This marks the second major personnel change for Assassin’s Creed Hexe this year, following the exit of creative director Clint Hocking in February, replaced by Jean Guesdon. It’s a worrying trend for a project initially touted as a flagship title and a radical departure from the established formula.
A long history, a sudden exit
Richer’s journey through Ubisoft has been a consistent one. Starting as a level designer on titles like Rainbow Six Vegas 2, he steadily climbed the ranks, contributing to projects including Batman: Arkham Origins at WB Games Montreal and, most recently, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. His return to Ubisoft Montreal in 2017 signaled a renewed focus, but now, it appears, his energies are being directed elsewhere. The specifics surrounding his decision to leave remain unclear, though Ubisoft has yet to offer a formal statement.
The hexe enigma
Despite the mounting departures, the core concept of Assassin’s Creed Hexe – a project currently lacking a confirmed release date – persists. Announced alongside Animus Hub (now rebranded as Animus Hub) and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s described by former vice executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté as a “new flagship title” with a distinct approach to the franchise. The project’s lack of concrete information, limited to a single logo, only amplifies the speculation and the growing questions surrounding its viability.
Looking ahead
The studio’s decision on who will step into Richer’s role remains to be seen. This latest development underscores the challenges facing Ubisoft as it navigates a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. It’s a stark reminder that even the most ambitious projects can be affected by shifts in personnel and strategic priorities. The future of Assassin’s Creed Hexe, for now, remains shrouded in the same mystery as the game itself.