Former Assassin’s Creed Executive Marc-Alexis Côté Sues Ubisoft Over Alleged Dismissal
Marc-Alexis Côté, the former executive of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, is suing Ubisoft after his abrupt exit from the company. Côté left Ubisoft in October 2022, with conflicting narratives surrounding his departure. Ubisoft stated he chose to leave, while Côté claims he was forced out.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Ubisoft
Côté’s lawsuit, reported by Radio Canada, demands CAD $1.3 million (approximately £698,000). This amount encompasses lost severance pay and compensatory damages. Additionally, he seeks to lift a non-compete clause that restricts his employment opportunities.
Background Circumstances
Problems arose after Ubisoft launched Vantage Studios in October 2022, in partnership with Tencent. This new studio was formed to manage Ubisoft’s flagship gaming properties, including Assassin’s Creed, which Côté was leading.
Upon the establishment of Vantage Studios, Côté discovered that a new position, Head of Franchises, was being filled. This role would effectively supersede his authority. According to the lawsuit, Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, blocked Côté’s application for this position due to his Canadian location, offering him instead a demoted role as Head of Production.
The Fallout and Allegations of Unlawful Dismissal
Côté describes the situation as “anxiety-inducing,” leading him to take a break to reflect on his options. Ubisoft management reportedly indicated that he would need to accept the new role after a two-week consideration period. Côté viewed this as an “unacceptable demotion,” which he characterized as a form of “disguised dismissal,” and subsequently sought severance pay.
Although Côté was slated to return to work on October 13, 2022, Ubisoft instructed him not to report back as they prepared a response. Shortly after, the company publicly announced that Côté had voluntarily left for other opportunities, a move the lawsuit argues was aimed at avoiding severance payments and enforcing the non-compete clause.
Côté’s Tenure at Ubisoft
During his 20-year career at Ubisoft, Côté dedicated 15 years to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. His roles included:
- Lead level designer on Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
- Director of Assassin’s Creed III
- Leadership of Ubisoft Quebec during the development of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s add-on, Freedom Cry
- Senior producer for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Stepped up to oversee the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise in 2022, launching a new era with Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Ubisoft has yet to respond publicly to the filing of this lawsuit. The outcome of this legal dispute may have significant implications for both Côté and the future of Ubisoft’s management practices.
