Clint Hocking, a prominent figure in the gaming industry, has announced the establishment of his new studio, Build Machine Games. Previously, Hocking served as the creative director for the upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe.
Background of Clint Hocking
Hocking is renowned for his contributions to several high-profile games, including:
- Far Cry 2
- Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Watch Dogs: Legion
In February 2023, Hocking departed from Ubisoft without divulging the reasons behind his exit. Just two months later, he revealed plans to launch Build Machine Games.
About Build Machine Games
Located in Montreal, Canada, Build Machine Games aims to create games that are “emotionally resonant and socially relevant.” In a post on LinkedIn, Hocking characterized his new studio as a “small, fast, bold, and ambitious team.”
Current Phase and Hiring
The studio is in the early stages of development, focusing on prototyping. Build Machine Games has also begun the hiring process for essential roles such as programmers and artists. Hocking emphasized his intent to foster a creative environment that respects the autonomy of each developer.
Industry Context
Hocking’s departure from Ubisoft coincided with notable changes within the company. Following his exit, Benoit Richer, the game director for Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, left as well. Jean Guesdon has since assumed the role of creative director for the franchise.
Ubisoft has been navigating a challenging period, marked by project cancellations and significant staff turnover. The gaming community views these developments as part of a larger trend of restructuring among major industry players.
As Build Machine Games progresses, the industry will be watching closely to see how Hocking’s vision translates into new gaming experiences.
