A Shocking Departure: The Truth Behind the Assassin's Creed Boss's Exit
The Captain's Log: A Story of Loyalty and Leadership
Marc-Alexis Côté, the former head of Assassin's Creed, has set the record straight about his unexpected departure from Ubisoft after a 15-year journey with the franchise. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Côté revealed that his exit was not a voluntary choice but a decision made by Ubisoft itself.
But here's where it gets controversial... Côté's departure came just after the successful launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows, a game he had passionately worked on and believed in. The timing left many fans and colleagues surprised and confused.
In an internal email seen by IGN, Ubisoft cited the need for a leadership team 'aligned' with their new organizational structure for Vantage Studios, the Tencent-backed unit overseeing Assassin's Creed. However, the email provided little insight into the reasons behind Côté's departure.
And this is the part most people miss... Côté was offered a different role within Vantage Studios, but it lacked the scope, mandate, and continuity of his previous work. He felt it was a step back from the leadership position he had grown into over the years.
"I want to clarify that I hold no resentment towards Ubisoft. It has been my home, and I am grateful for the opportunities and the belief we shared in creating inspiring worlds. But I must emphasize that I did not walk away willingly. I stayed at my post until Ubisoft asked me to step aside," Côté wrote.
Côté's journey with Ubisoft began in 2005 as a software engineer, and he quickly rose through the ranks, working on iconic Assassin's Creed titles like Brotherhood, Assassin's Creed 3, Black Flag DLC Freedom Cry, Assassin's Creed Syndicate, and Assassin's Creed Odyssey, where he served as senior producer.
In March 2022, Côté took on the role of overall development lead for the series, a position that allowed him to shape the future of Assassin's Creed. He laid out ambitious plans for multiple projects, including Shadows, the upcoming Assassin's Creed Hexe, and a new multiplayer experience. Côté's leadership and passion were evident, especially when he defended the series and its developers during a challenging period of discourse surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows.
As a self-proclaimed Star Trek (TNG!) fan, Côté saw himself as the captain of the Assassin's Creed ship, responsible for the safety and well-being of his crew. He believed in staying at the helm until every soul on board was secure.
Ubisoft is now on the hunt for a new Assassin's Creed franchise boss, with a busy 2026 ahead, including more Shadows content and the highly anticipated Black Flag remake. Who will take the helm next, and will they continue Côté's vision? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on this unexpected departure? Do you think Ubisoft made the right decision? Share your opinions in the comments below!
