Assassin's Creed Head Marc-Alexis Côté Forced Out at Ubisoft

Last Updated: November 16, 2025

In a seismic shift for one of gaming's largest franchises, Marc-Alexis Côté, the veteran Ubisoft developer and Vice President Executive Producer for the entire Assassin's Creed brand, has departed the company after two decades. Côté revealed his exit was not voluntary, but a direct result of an internal corporate restructure that saw him "asked to step aside" from the role he's held since 2022.

The news sends a shockwave through the industry, raising critical questions about the future of the beloved historical series at a pivotal moment. With major titles like *Assassin's Creed Shadows* on the horizon and the ambitious *Infinity* hub intended to unify the franchise's future, the departure of its chief architect marks a significant and unexpected turning point for Ubisoft.

A Two-Decade Legacy Forged in the Animus

Marc-Alexis Côté's career at Ubisoft is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Assassin's Creed. Over his 20-year tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping some of the series' most defining entries. He served as the creative director for the Victorian-era *Assassin's Creed Syndicate* and was a senior producer on *Assassin's Creed Odyssey*, the title that fully embraced the franchise's shift into a sprawling open-world RPG.

In 2022, Côté was promoted to Vice President Executive Producer, a role that effectively made him the final word on all things Assassin's Creed. He was tasked with unifying the brand's vision, overseeing the global development teams, and masterminding the long-term strategy. This included the crucial oversight of the *Assassin's Creed Infinity* initiative—a centralized hub designed to connect future games, starting with the highly anticipated feudal Japan-set *Assassin's Creed Shadows* and the mysterious *Codename Hexe*. His deep institutional knowledge and creative stewardship were considered vital to navigating this complex new era for the IP.

"Not My Choice": A Restructure Forces an Exit

In a candid public statement, Côté clarified the circumstances of his departure, stating unequivocally that leaving Ubisoft "wasn't his choice." He described the situation as a game of "musical chairs" resulting from a major corporate reorganization within the publisher.

According to Côté, he was explicitly "asked to step aside" from his leadership position. This directive was followed by an offer for a significantly reduced role within Vantage Studios, a newly formed subsidiary reportedly backed by major Ubisoft shareholder Tencent. Vantage is understood to be part of a broader strategy to restructure Ubisoft's development and publishing pipeline. The offer to join a nascent entity in a lesser capacity after being removed from the helm of a flagship franchise ultimately led to his decision to part ways with the company entirely.

Ubisoft's Evolving Corporate Landscape

Côté's forced exit is a high-profile symptom of the ongoing transformation at Ubisoft. The publisher has faced numerous challenges in recent years, from development delays to public criticism over its workplace culture and strategic direction. The establishment of new ventures like Vantage Studios, fueled by external investment from partners like Tencent, signals a determined effort to streamline operations and adapt to a changing market.

However, such large-scale realignments often result in significant personnel changes. Côté's account provides a rare and stark look at how these top-down corporate decisions can impact even the most senior and tenured creative leaders, pushing out the very individuals who have guided its most successful properties.

An Uncertain Future for the Creed

The timing of this leadership vacuum could not be more critical. The Assassin's Creed franchise is on the cusp of its most significant evolution in years. The *Infinity* hub and its associated games, *Shadows* and *Hexe*, represent a massive investment and a bet on a new, interconnected future. Côté was the public face and internal champion of this vision.

While Ubisoft's global studios are filled with immense talent, the loss of a central, unifying leader creates immediate uncertainty. The community and investors will be watching closely to see who Ubisoft appoints to fill this void and whether the foundational strategy for *Infinity* will be altered in the wake of its architect's departure. Ensuring a smooth transition will be paramount to maintaining momentum and confidence in one of gaming's most important IPs.

As for Marc-Alexis Côté, his next move is currently unknown. With over two decades of experience leading one of the industry's most complex and successful franchises, he is now one of the most high-profile free agents in game development. The industry will be watching eagerly to see where his considerable talents land next.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is Marc-Alexis Côté?

A1: Marc-Alexis Côté was a 20-year veteran of Ubisoft and, most recently, the Vice President Executive Producer of the Assassin's Creed franchise. He was the creative director for *Assassin's Creed Syndicate*, a senior producer on *Odyssey*, and was in charge of the brand's overall strategy, including the upcoming *Assassin's Creed Shadows* and the *Infinity* hub.

Q2: Why did Marc-Alexis Côté leave Ubisoft?

A2: Côté stated his departure was involuntary. He was asked to step down from his leadership role over Assassin's Creed as part of a corporate restructure. He declined a subsequent offer for a reduced role in a new subsidiary, Vantage Studios, leading to his exit.

Q3: What is Vantage Studios?

A3: Vantage Studios is a newly established subsidiary of Ubisoft, reportedly backed by investor Tencent. It appears to be part of Ubisoft's broader strategy to reorganize its future development and publishing efforts.

Q4: What does this mean for upcoming Assassin's Creed games?

A4: The immediate development of titles like *Assassin's Creed Shadows* is likely unaffected. However, Côté's departure creates a leadership vacuum for the long-term vision of the franchise, particularly the *Infinity* hub. Ubisoft will need to appoint a new leader to guide the series' future direction.