Ex-Assassin’s Creed Boss Sues Ubisoft for Nearly $1 Million Over Constructive Dismissal Allegations

2 hours ago

Assassin's Creed Shadows - Naoe protagonist screenshot

Marc-Alexis Côté, the former high-ranking executive behind the Assassin’s Creed franchise, is reportedly taking legal action against Ubisoft. Côté alleges that his exit from the gaming giant was a “constructive dismissal,” flatly stating that he did not choose to leave the company voluntarily.

According to a report by Radio-Canada, Côté is seeking $1.3 million CAD in compensation, which includes $75,000 for moral damages (roughly $936,000 USD). This lawsuit comes approximately three months after his departure was first publicized.

The dispute reportedly ignited when Côté learned that Ubisoft’s new subsidiary, Vantage Studios—which oversees core titles like Far Cry, Rainbow Six, and Assassin’s Creed—was creating a “Head of Franchise” position to manage all three major IPs. Despite Côté’s extensive experience, CEO Yves Guillemot allegedly blocked his application for the role because it was based in France.

In lieu of the promotion, Côté was allegedly offered a subordinate role as Head of Production or the opportunity to lead a “creative house.” While Ubisoft described these creative houses as autonomous units tailored to specific genres, Côté reportedly felt the move would relegate him to managing second-tier series. He viewed the maneuver as an “unacceptable demotion” and a “disguised dismissal.”

After being given a short window to accept the new terms, Côté requested a severance package. However, Ubisoft announced his departure shortly thereafter in a way that characterized it as a voluntary resignation. Côté argues this was a tactical move by the company to avoid paying severance and to keep his non-competition clause active.

Since the split, Côté has been vocal about the circumstances, asserting, “I did not walk away. I remained at my post until Ubisoft asked me to step aside.” Despite the litigation, he remains diplomatic about his long history with the publisher, stating that he holds no resentment and remains grateful for the years spent building worlds that inspired millions.