Ubisoft Veteran Marc-Alexis Côté: “I Did Not Make That Choice” to Leave Assassin’s Creed

Marc-Alexis Côté, one of the most influential figures behind the Assassin’s Creed franchise, has officially left Ubisoft after more than two decades with the company. The news of his departure surfaced a few days ago, sparking speculation about whether he had chosen to step away or was moving to a new role elsewhere.

Initial reports suggested that Côté had been offered a leadership position at Vantage Studios, a newly formed company with Tencent holding a 25% stake. However, according to those reports, he wasn’t satisfied with the role and decided to step back. Now, Côté himself has clarified the situation in a detailed post on LinkedIn, making it clear that the decision to leave was not his own.

Marc-Alexis Côté on Ubisoft Restructure: “I Did Not Make That Choice” to Step Away

In his statement, Côté explained that he continued working as usual until Ubisoft asked him to step aside. “The truth is simple: I did not make that choice,” he wrote. He went on to say that Ubisoft had decided to transfer leadership of the Assassin’s Creed franchise to someone "closer to its new organizational structure." While another position was offered, it "did not carry the same scope, mandate, or continuity with the work" he had been leading for years.

He closed his message with a heartfelt reflection, not only addressing his departure but also expressing gratitude for his time at Ubisoft:

“I want to be clear that I hold no resentment. Ubisoft has been my home for all my professional life, and I will always be grateful for the people, the projects, and the belief that together we could create worlds that inspire millions.

But I also owe it to my teams, past and present, to say this plainly: I did not walk away. I stayed at my post until Ubisoft asked me to step aside.

As someone who grew up inspired by Star Trek (TNG!), in the later years of my career I came to see myself as the captain of the Assassin’s Creed ship, someone who leaves only once every soul on board is safe. And that is exactly what I have done for as long as I could.

Thank you again for your messages of support. They mean more to me than you can imagine. Nothing is true. Everything is permitted.”

Ubisoft has yet to comment further on who will take over the franchise’s long-term vision.