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Ubisoft announced today that Patrice Désilets is leaving Ubisoft. Désilets helped create Assassin's Creed for the publisher back in the day and then left to start up his own thing at THQ Montreal. Once Ubisoft bought that studio, he was brought back into the fray at Ubi, but apparently that arrangement didn't last long.
The publisher released the following statement regarding his departure:
The acquisition of THQ Montréal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Désilets, to our existing and renowned workforce. Unfortunately, since the acquisition, the good faith discussions between Patrice and Ubisoft aimed at aligning Patrice’s and the studio’s visions have been inconclusive. As a result, Patrice has left the studio. Our priorities remain with the teams already hard at work on projects in development. They are at the root of Ubisoft Montréal’s past and future successes.
However, according to Désilets, the departure wasn't quite as amicable as Ubi might have you believe. Speaking to Polygon, he explained:
Contrary to any statements made earlier today, this morning I was terminated by Ubisoft. I was notified of this termination in person, handed a termination notice and was unceremoniously escorted out of the building by two guards without being able to say goodbye to my team or collect my personal belongings. This was not my decision. Ubisoft's actions are baseless and without merit. I intend to fight Ubisoft vigorously for my rights, for my team and for my game.
That seems awfully cold of Ubisoft, don't you think? After all, the guy did create for them one of the biggest franchises in the industry today.
