Ubisoft continues to face internal scrutiny regarding its management’s strategic choices. CEO Yves Guillemot has publicly defended the decision to appoint his son, Charlie Guillemot, as the co-director of Vantage Studios—a freshly minted division dedicated to shaping the future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
This leadership change arrives amidst a broader wave of organizational restructuring, characterized by the closure of smaller studios and the cancellation of several unannounced projects. For many industry observers, the move is being viewed as a glaring example of familial favoritism during an especially volatile period for the company.
Speaking with Variety, Yves Guillemot asserted that Ubisoft was built on the foundation of being a “family-run enterprise.” He maintained that this structure is a competitive advantage, enabling the company to focus on long-term stability and sustainable growth rather than succumbing to the pressures of short-term financial returns. Critics, however, argue that such a philosophy often allows blood ties to overshadow transparent, merit-based career progression.
To address concerns regarding his son’s qualifications, Guillemot emphasized that Charlie possesses a “complementary skill set” and significant industry experience. Charlie previously served on a strategic committee tasked with revitalizing Ubisoft’s flagship brands and led Unagi, a startup specializing in Web3 and Artificial Intelligence. Given Ubisoft’s recent heavy investment in generative AI, his expertise is being framed as a vital asset for the company’s technological roadmap.
Despite these justifications, morale within Ubisoft’s offices remains strained. The perceived disconnect between executive-level promotions and the layoffs impacting the rank-and-file workforce continues to fuel a climate of uncertainty and tension.
Source: iXBT.games