In a move that marks a significant turning point for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises, Marc-Alexis Côté, the long-time creative force behind Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series, has left the company. His departure concludes a remarkable tenure of nearly twenty years, a period during which he rose from a software engineer to the steward of the billion-dollar franchise.
Côté’s exit comes amidst a massive organizational shake-up at Ubisoft, triggered by a strategic $1.8 billion investment from Chinese tech giant Tencent earlier this year. This restructuring was designed to address corporate debt and fortify the company against potential acquisitions.
A Franchise Restructured: The Birth of Vantage Studios
Central to this corporate overhaul was the creation of a new, Tencent-backed subsidiary named Vantage Studios. This new entity was given the weighty responsibility of overseeing Ubisoft’s three most valuable properties: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Tencent holds a 25% stake in this new studio, signaling a significant shift in how Ubisoft manages its core IP.
According to internal communications, Côté was offered a prominent leadership position within this new venture. However, in a decision that underscores his desire for a new chapter, he declined the role. A recent report from IGN detailed that Côté chose to pursue opportunities outside of Ubisoft entirely, leaving the future of the franchise he helped define in new hands.
An email to staff from Ubisoft’s co-CEOs, Charlie Guillemot and Christophe Dennes, expressed disappointment at his decision but also respect for his vision and the future trajectory of the newly formed subsidiary.
A Legacy Forged in the Animus: Côté’s Storied Career
Marc-Alexis Côté’s journey with Ubisoft began in 2005 as a software engineer. His rapid ascent up the corporate and creative ladder is a testament to his talent and dedication. He served in a diverse array of roles, including tools and engine programmer and level designer, before his destiny became inextricably linked with the Assassin’s Creed franchise around 2010.
His fingerprints are on some of the most beloved and pivotal entries in the series:
- Mission Director for the critically acclaimed Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010).
- Co-Director for the ambitious colonial-era epic, Assassin’s Creed III (2012).
- Creative Director for Assassin’s Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington (2013) and the Victorian London-based Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015).
- Senior Producer for the sprawling Greek odyssey, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018).
His contributions also extended to additional design work on the powerful Freedom Cry DLC for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Beyond the world of assassins and templars, Côté served as Lead Engine Programmer for Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands and was the Executive Producer on the vibrant mythological adventure, Immortals Fenyx Rising.
Since 2022, he had been leading Ubisoft’s global teams on Assassin’s Creed, shaping its long-term strategy and ensuring its place as the company’s flagship property.
Ubisoft’s Official Stance: Gratitude and Confidence
In light of his departure, Ubisoft issued an official statement, acknowledging the end of an era while projecting confidence for the future:
*“Following the organizational restructuring announced in March 2025, Marc-Alexis Côté has chosen to pursue a new path elsewhere outside of Ubisoft. While we are saddened to see him go, we’re confident that our talented teams will carry forward the strong foundation he helped build. We are deeply grateful for the impact Marc-Alexis has had over the years, particularly in shaping the Assassin’s Creed brand into what it is today.”*
What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed and Côté?
Côté’s departure leaves a considerable void at the helm of Assassin’s Creed. The franchise is currently in a prolific phase, with several projects in the pipeline, including the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Codename Red.
For Marc-Alexis Côté, the future is a blank canvas. After two decades of defining historical epics for one of the world’s largest game publishers, his next move will be watched with great interest by the entire industry. His legacy, however, is permanently encoded into the DNA of one of gaming's most enduring and successful franchises.
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