Assassin's creed hexe faces setback as director exits, raising questions
The enigmatic Assassin’s Creed Hexe project has just taken another unexpected turn. Benoit Richer, the game director, has abruptly departed Ubisoft Montreal, signaling a potential snag in the development of this highly anticipated, and notoriously secretive, title.
Shifting sands: a second departure rattles the franchise
A LinkedIn post revealed Richer’s move to Quebec-based indie studio Servo Games, where he’ll be co-founder and game director. This follows the already announced exit of creative director Clint Hocking in February – a domino effect that’s casting a long shadow over Ubisoft’s ambitious new direction for the Assassin’s Creed universe.
A veteran's journey
Richer’s history with Ubisoft stretches back to 2000, starting as a level designer on Rainbow Six Vegas 2. He’s since moved through various roles – including stints at WB Games Montreal on Batman: Arkham Origins – before returning to Montreal to helm Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The precise reason for his departure remains unclear, though it’s undoubtedly a significant blow to a project already shrouded in mystery. Notably, Ubisoft has yet to release a statement regarding his replacement.
Hexe: a ghost of a logo
Assassin’s Creed Hexe, announced alongside Animus Hub (now rebranded as Animus Hub) and Assassin’s Creed Shadows in 2022, initially promised a ‘new flagship title’ – a departure from the established formula. Marc-Alexis Côté, franchise vice executive producer, described it as a “very different type of Assassin’s Creed game,” but the project’s progression has been frustratingly opaque. Currently, the only visible element is a single, haunting logo.
Uncertainty lingers
With no official release date and a rapidly changing leadership team, the future of Assassin’s Creed Hexe hangs precariously in the balance. The franchise's fate, it seems, is being shaped by a series of strategic shifts that are leaving fans – and industry observers – wondering what, if anything, will emerge from this ambitious, yet turbulent, endeavor. It’s a stark reminder that even within the monolithic structure of Ubisoft, projects can be vulnerable to the unpredictable currents of the gaming landscape.”n