The drama between Ubisoft and former, former employee and Assassin’s Creed Creator Patrice Desilets is really starting to sound like it was crafted by soap opera writers. You may recall that Désilets was recently fired from Ubisoft (after having been acquired by Ubisoft, after leaving Ubisoft for THQ). Ubisoft has now put the game he’s been working on for the last few years on hold.
In an investor call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot explained Désilets’ departure.
"After more than two months of discussion with [Désilets], we couldn’t align our vision both on project development and team management," Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot said.
"Consequently our collaboration has ended. We have suspended development on 1666 for an undisclosed time."
An undisclosed time? Like forever? Here’s where it starts getting ugly. Or uglier, if you will. According to videogame internet supersleuth Superannuation, Désilets contract specifically stated that if the game were to be cancelled, the rights would revert back to him. However, with the game just being put on hold instead of being outright binned, Ubisoft gets to keep the IP and all of his work, while Désilets gets to see the door.
Could align their vision? I can only imagine that Ubisoft wanted Désilets to turn 1666 in to even more Assassin’s Creed, and when he refused, he got the boot. Either that, or Ubisoft bought THQ Montreal purely to troll Désilets.
$2.5 million well spent, guys.
Last Updated: May 16, 2013
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
May 16, 2013 at 14:42
My work here is done. *dusts hands*
mancera
May 16, 2013 at 15:05
You’re on a roll with the banners!
mancera
May 16, 2013 at 14:48
Trolling header on a troll hunting piece that’s about a company trolling a guy for only 2.5 mill
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim you trolling maniac! lol
CODDAMIT
May 16, 2013 at 14:56
So………..
Admiral Chief Combat Engineer
May 16, 2013 at 15:00
You can has yarrr
mancera
May 16, 2013 at 14:56
Yeah… Ubi was pretty mean with him, and they’re probably going to hold onto that IP with all they’re worth.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
May 16, 2013 at 14:58
I reckon he should challenge them in court. Have them prove they have plans to use the IP. If not they must release it
silverscorpio
May 16, 2013 at 16:34
Ubisoft really can keep a grudge and be very spiteful. Poor guy. He will probably start his own studio or he should join Rockstar and make open world games like Assassins Creed. In such a case, he will never make another PC game again.