Marc-Alexis Côté, the prominent leader of the Assassin’s Creed franchise at Ubisoft, has left the company after over 20 years of service. This decision comes shortly after the franchise transitioned to Vantage Studios, a new entity that aims to supervise not only Assassin’s Creed but also additional major titles like Far Cry and Rainbow Six.
Change in Leadership at Ubisoft
The announcement of Côté’s departure was shared with Ubisoft staff in an internal email. The message emphasized the importance of a leadership team at Vantage Studios that aligns with its core objectives.
Despite being offered a role within the new studio’s leadership, Côté chose to pursue opportunities outside of Ubisoft. Co-CEO Christophe Derennes expressed disappointment regarding Côté’s decision, highlighting that he had unique expectations and priorities related to the creation and direction of Vantage Studios.
Career Highlights of Marc-Alexis Côté
- Côté began his career at Ubisoft in 2005 as a software engineer.
- He served as lead engine programmer on Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.
- He joined the Assassin’s Creed franchise during Brotherhood, progressing to game director for Assassin’s Creed 3.
- Under his leadership, Ubisoft Quebec developed renowned titles such as Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag DLC Freedom Cry, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
- In March 2022, Côté was appointed as the head of the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise, envisioning a comprehensive future for the series.
Throughout his tenure, Côté played a crucial role in shaping the direction of Assassin’s Creed, including a project that aimed to relaunch the series with a more cohesive narrative known as the Animus Hub.
Challenges and Controversies
Côté also faced significant challenges, including a public backlash surrounding the portrayal of a Black samurai protagonist in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows game. In response to the criticism, he defended the importance of diversity in storytelling. Côté emphasized that embracing diverse historical narratives is central to the franchise’s mission.
Recently, Ubisoft canceled another Assassin’s Creed project that depicted a former Black slave fighting against the Ku Klux Klan in a post-Civil War setting. This decision was influenced by concerns about the contemporary political landscape.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Though Marc-Alexis Côté’s departure from Ubisoft marks the end of a notable era for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the company remains optimistic about its future. A spokesperson reiterated their gratitude for his contributions and expressed confidence in the talent of their teams moving forward.
