Former Head of Assassin's Creed Franchise Takes Ubisoft to Court Over Alleged Unfair Dismissal

A lawsuit has been filed by former Assassin's Creed franchise lead Marc-Alexis Côté against Ubisoft, seeking CAD $1.3 million in damages and severance pay. According to reports by CBC Radio Canada, Côté claims he was constructively dismissed from his position. This comes after Ubisoft announced his 'voluntary departure' last October, which Côté disputes, stating that the decision to leave was not his own. Instead, he alleges that Ubisoft decided to transfer the leadership of the Assassin's Creed franchise to another person. Côté was reportedly offered alternative positions, including 'head of production' or leading a 'creative house' for a smaller franchise, but he deemed these offers as unacceptable demotions. He claims that Ubisoft's actions were an attempt to avoid providing severance pay and to keep his non-compete clause in place. The lawsuit also mentions that Côté was not considered for a 'head of franchise' role due to its location in France, and that relocating was a requirement for the position. Côté has requested that the court lift his non-compete clause and provide the requested compensation.