Ubisoft's internal transformations persist. The creative director for the forthcoming Assassin's Creed project, internally known as Hexe, has exited the firm. Clint Hocking, who spent two decades with the company across multiple periods, apparently shared his departure during a team gathering earlier this week.
During his time at Ubisoft, Hocking led creatively on titles such as Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Far Cry 2, and Watch Dogs: Legion. No specific reasons for his exit have surfaced in reports.
In a statement to VGC, the outlet that initially covered Hocking's departure, Ubisoft confirmed that work on Hexe proceeds uninterrupted. Jean Guedson, among the trio now steering the Assassin's Creed series, steps in as the project's new creative director. Previously, Guedson held that position for Assassin's Creed Origins and Black Flag, both highly praised installments in the lineup.
Recent times at Ubisoft have been far from steady. Over the past year, the organization shifted to a framework of specialized 'creative houses.' Vantage Studios, which includes Tencent as a partial owner, now manages the Assassin's Creed brand. Additionally, in October, the series' executive Marc-Alexis Côté departed; he has since stated he was effectively removed and is pursuing legal action against his ex-employer.
These shifts occur against a backdrop of workforce reductions, major project failures, further staff cuts, facility shutdowns, additional reductions, labor disputes, and yet more job losses. Just weeks ago, Ubisoft dismissed a worker who voiced opposition to its policy requiring in-office attendance.
On a different note, certain elements within the company show promise. For instance, family ties play a role in leadership. Charlie Guillemot, offspring of Ubisoft's chief executive Yves Guillemot, has ascended to co-CEO position at Vantage Studios.