A Veteran Game Creator Takes on Ubisoft

Long-time Ubisoft Leader Claims Unfair Treatment

Marc-Alexis Côté, a veteran leader at Ubisoft, has filed a lawsuit against the company. He alleges he was forced out of his role as head of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

20 Years of Service Ends in Dispute

Côté worked at Ubisoft for 20 years and led Assassin’s Creed since 2022. He claims he was demoted and then pushed out of the company.

Legal Action and Financial Claims

• Filed a lawsuit in Quebec
• Seeking $1.3 million Canadian dollars in damages
• Alleges Ubisoft offered him two lesser roles or forced him to leave
• Refused both options and was told he was leaving voluntarily
• Seeks release from a non-compete clause limiting future job opportunities

Ubisoft’s Structural Changes

Ubisoft recently created Vantage Studios, altering how major franchises like Assassin’s Creed are managed.

• Côté previously reported directly to the CEO
• New structure placed someone else in charge of the franchise, effectively demoting him

Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Future Projects

Côté’s departure followed the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which was delayed for further development.

• In 2022, he announced longer development cycles for sustainability
• Other unreleased projects include:
• Invictus (multiplayer spin-off)
• Jade (mobile game)
• Remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (rumored)

Industry Challenges and Leadership Changes

Côté’s lawsuit highlights:

• Challenges faced by long-time employees in the gaming industry
• Questions about how companies handle leadership and structural changes