Former Assassin's Creed Franchise Head Files Lawsuit Against Ubisoft Seeking $1.3 Million
Marc-Alexis Cote, the former creative lead behind Ubisoft's globally successful Assassin's Creed franchise, has initiated legal proceedings against the gaming giant. The lawsuit, filed in Quebec, seeks substantial damages amounting to CAD $1.3 million (approximately $1 million USD) from the company, citing allegations of constructive dismissal.
Alleged Demotion and Unacceptable Offers
According to court documents and reports from CBC Radio-Canada, Cote claims Ubisoft offered him alternative positions that he characterized as unacceptable demotions disguised as dismissals. The former franchise head was reportedly presented with two options: either accept the role of 'head of production,' which would require reporting to an incoming 'head of franchise,' or lead a 'creative house' for a less prominent Ubisoft intellectual property.
Cote declined both proposals, describing them as significant downgrades that lacked the scope, mandate, and continuity of his previous responsibilities. In his LinkedIn post following his departure, he emphasized that the alternative position mentioned did not carry the same authority or connection to the work he had been entrusted with over recent years.
Organizational Restructuring and Geographic Constraints
The lawsuit reveals that during the formation of Tencent-backed subsidiary Vantage Studios last year, Ubisoft sought to hire a 'head of franchise' to oversee major properties including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Cote alleges he was not considered for this role because it was based in France rather than Quebec, and he would only have been eligible if willing to relocate internationally.
This organizational shift appears to have precipitated the conflict, with Ubisoft announcing in October 2025 that Cote had voluntarily departed from the company. However, the former executive has contested this characterization, stating unequivocally that he did not make the choice to leave.
Contested Departure and Emotional Aftermath
Following the announcement of his departure, Cote reportedly requested two years' severance pay plus CAD $75,000 in additional damages. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post that garnered significant attention within the gaming community, he clarified the circumstances of his exit.
"The truth is simple: I did not make that choice," Cote wrote. "Ubisoft decided to transfer the leadership of the Assassin's Creed franchise to someone closer to its new organisational structure."
He described the 24 hours following the announcement as deeply emotional, acknowledging the outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, and fans. Drawing a poignant analogy from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Cote portrayed himself as the captain of the Assassin's Creed ship, stating he remained at his post until Ubisoft asked him to step aside.
Broader Implications for the Gaming Industry
This legal dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the gaming industry regarding executive transitions, corporate restructuring, and employee rights. Constructive dismissal claims, where an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that an employee feels compelled to resign, represent significant legal challenges for major corporations.
The case also underscores the emotional investment that creative leaders develop in long-running franchises like Assassin's Creed, which has sold over 200 million copies worldwide since its 2007 debut. Cote's tenure with Ubisoft spanned nearly two decades, making his departure particularly consequential for both parties.
As the legal proceedings advance, industry observers will be watching closely to see how this case influences corporate practices around executive transitions and franchise management within the competitive gaming sector.
