Ex-Assassin's Creed Boss Sues Ubisoft for $1.3M

The architect behind one of gaming's most enduring franchises has launched a significant legal challenge against his former employer. Marc-Alexis Côté, the former head of the Assassin's Creed franchise, is suing Ubisoft for CAD $1.3 million.

The lawsuit, filed in Canada, alleges that his departure from the company last year was not voluntary. Instead, Côté claims it constituted a 'disguised dismissal' designed to circumvent his entitlement to severance pay after more than two decades of service.

This legal action follows a period of significant upheaval at the gaming giant, including the creation of a new business entity and a restructuring of leadership roles.

The dispute centers on the formation of Vantage Studios, a new Tencent-backed entity established to manage the Assassin's Creed brand. Côté's lawsuit details how this restructuring fundamentally altered his position within the company.

According to the legal filing, Côté was effectively replaced in his role early in 2025 by the newly installed leadership of Vantage Studios: Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot, the cousin and son of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot.

The introduction of this new management layer was followed by a critical development:

• Vantage Studios began seeking a new Assassin's Creed franchise boss.
• Côté enquired about the position but was reportedly told he was not suitable.
• The rejection was allegedly based on the role's location in France, while Côté is based in Canada.

Following the rejection for the franchise head role, Côté claims he was presented with alternative positions that constituted a significant step down. The lawsuit alleges he was offered a Head of Production role, reporting directly to the new franchise head he was deemed unsuitable for.

Alternatively, he was offered the chance to lead a different business unit focused on second-tier Ubisoft franchises. Côté viewed these offers as an unacceptable demotion given his history and seniority.

During a two-week reflection period, Côté informed Ubisoft that his exit would require severance pay. In response, the company allegedly instructed him not to report for work on October 13, 2025, and to await a formal response. The following day, Ubisoft announced his departure.

We're confident that our talented teams will carry forward the strong foundation he helped build.

Côté's tenure at Ubisoft spanned over 20 years, marking him as a foundational figure in the company's history. He joined in 2005 as a software engineer and quickly rose through the ranks, contributing to major titles like Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.

His legacy is most deeply tied to the Assassin's Creed series. He served as a lead level designer for Brotherhood, game director for Assassin's Creed 3, and senior producer for the critically acclaimed Assassin's Creed Odyssey.

In March 2022, Côté was promoted to oversee the entire franchise. He was instrumental in laying out a Marvel-style slate of upcoming projects, including the forthcoming Assassin's Creed Hexe. His departure came just weeks after the brand became part of the new Vantage Studios structure.

The lawsuit formally alleges that Ubisoft engaged in an abuse of power that resulted in significant damage to Côté's professional reputation. The CAD $1.3 million figure is calculated based on two years of salary, plus an additional CAD $75,000 in damages.

Beyond financial compensation, Côté is seeking a specific judicial order: the lifting of his non-compete agreement. This clause currently restricts his ability to work for other companies in the gaming industry, potentially limiting his future employment prospects.

Representatives for Côté have confirmed the lawsuit's details. Ubisoft has maintained its previous stance, stating that Côté 'chose to pursue a new path elsewhere' following the March 2025 restructuring.

This legal battle highlights the complex intersection of creative leadership, corporate restructuring, and employment law within the high-stakes video game industry. The outcome could set a precedent for how veteran developers are treated during major corporate shifts.

As the case progresses through the Canadian legal system, the gaming community will be watching closely. The resolution will determine not only the financial compensation for Côté but also his ability to continue shaping the future of interactive entertainment.

For now, the future of the Assassin's Creed franchise continues under the leadership of Vantage Studios, while its former steward seeks justice in the courtroom.