In 2025, Marc-Alexis Côté, who led the popular Assassin’s Creed series at Ubisoft for years, left suddenly after the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Recently, he opened up about his departure, claiming he was forced out rather than leaving on his own. Côté is now suing Ubisoft for nearly $1 million, calling it a case of “constructive dismissal” after his demotion.
According to a report by Radio-Canada, the lawsuit, filed in Quebec’s Superior Court, seeks $1.3 million CAD in damages, around $935,000 USD. Côté describes a pivotal summer meeting in 2025 where it became clear he would no longer lead the franchise he had guided since a 2022 strategy shift.
Last year, Ubisoft launched Vantage Studios, a new subsidiary that received $1.25 billion in funding from Tencent. This studio now includes major franchises like Rainbow Six Siege, Far Cry, and Assassin’s Creed. After this restructuring, Côté found himself reporting to a new leadership team, effectively pushing him out of a prominent role.
Under this new model, Ubisoft sought a Head of Franchise position to manage all major IPs, leading to Côté’s alleged demotion. The new role would be based in France, making relocation a barrier for him. He was offered a less significant position, which he declined. When he asked for severance in October, Ubisoft announced his supposed “voluntary” exit the following day.
In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Côté expressed his surprise and disappointment at the circumstances of his departure, insisting it wasn’t his choice. He is now seeking damages and asking the court to lift a non-compete clause that restricts his future job opportunities in gaming.
This legal battle plays out at a crucial time for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, just before the one-year anniversary of Shadows. Known for its rich storytelling and immersive worlds, the series has evolved significantly since Côté joined Ubisoft in 2010, starting with Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. The latest game encountered delays, marking the longest interval between franchise releases.
Côté has emphasized the need for more sustainable development cycles. Previously, Ubisoft averaged three years per game, but he’s advocating for longer timelines to enhance quality and reduce stress on the development teams. A shift like this often reflects industry trends where careful planning has become vital.
Notably, despite ambitious plans, some projects like the multiplayer spin-off Invictus and the mobile game Jade are still awaited. Meanwhile, rumors of a remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag suggest a blend of nostalgia and new horizons for fans.
As the situation unfolds, it’s a reminder of how quickly changes can shape careers in the gaming industry, where passion must often blend with business realities. Ubisoft and Côté have yet to comment on this ongoing situation.
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