Assassin’s Creed Creative Lead Marc-Alexis Côté Exits Ubisoft as Vantage Studios Restructures

Ubisoft, one of the gaming industry’s biggest publishers, is once again in the spotlight – this time for a major leadership shake-up that could have lasting effects on its flagship franchises. Marc-Alexis Côté, the long-time creative force behind Assassin’s Creed, has officially left the company after two decades of service.

The move comes just weeks after Ubisoft announced Vantage Studios, a newly formed subsidiary created in partnership with Tencent, which will oversee major IPs including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.

According to reports first surfaced by IGN, Ubisoft employees were informed of Côté’s departure through an internal email that also touched on the leadership restructuring under Vantage Studios. The message emphasized the need for the new studio’s leadership to be fully aligned with its strategic goals – an indication that the transition was not entirely smooth behind the scenes. Sources say Côté was offered a senior position within the new studio but ultimately chose not to accept it, opting instead to pursue other opportunities outside Ubisoft.

Ubisoft confirmed the exit in a statement shared with several outlets, noting that the decision followed the company’s March 2025 reorganization plan. The statement praised Côté’s contributions, saying he played a “pivotal role in shaping Assassin’s Creed into what it is today” and left behind a “strong creative legacy.” Despite the polished tone, industry watchers have interpreted the move as part of a broader effort by Ubisoft to tighten executive control over its largest brands, particularly in the wake of Tencent’s growing influence within the company.

Côté’s career at Ubisoft is a rare case of creative longevity in modern gaming. Starting as a level designer, he helped build the foundation of the Assassin’s Creed series before taking on roles as game director and creative director. Since 2022, he’s been overseeing the franchise’s overall development strategy – including upcoming titles such as Assassin’s Creed Codename Red, the long-awaited Japan-set entry in the series. His departure raises questions about whether internal creative differences or external corporate pressures prompted his decision to leave.

Some fans have voiced frustration with Ubisoft’s recent direction, accusing the company of “playing it safe” with existing IPs rather than taking risks on new ideas. Others speculate that the restructuring under Vantage Studios may signal a shift toward more centralized production, possibly limiting creative freedom for individual teams. On the other hand, a few industry insiders argue that the partnership with Tencent could bring much-needed financial stability and technical resources for long-term franchise growth.

Whatever the case, Côté’s exit marks the end of an era for one of gaming’s most recognizable series. As Ubisoft continues to reshape its leadership and structure, players will be watching closely to see whether Assassin’s Creed retains the same visionary spirit that defined its early days – or whether it will evolve into something entirely different under new management.