A veteran who worked for Ubisoft for 20 years and was instrumental in the development of the Assassin's Creed series.Marc-Alexis CôtéThe reason behind his "resignation" last October seems to be more complex.PressMarc-Alexis Côté has officially filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft, accusing the company of "disguised dismissal" and seeking damages of up to CAD 130 million (approximately NT$2980 million).
This lawsuit not only exposed the power struggle within the French gaming giant, but also revealed the behind-the-scenes secrets of its collaboration with Tencent to establish a new company.
What was thought to be a "peaceful breakup" was actually a forced retreat?
The story dates back to October of last year, when Ubisoft announced that Marc-Alexis Côté had decided to leave the company to seek new opportunities. However, Marc-Alexis Côté claimed that this was entirely a ploy by the company to avoid paying severance pay and to enforce non-compete clauses.
According to the lawsuit, the conflict was sparked by Ubisoft's collaboration with Tencent to establish a new company last October.Vantage StudiosThis would allow them to control their most valuable gaming assets, including the Assassin's Creed series, which Marc-Alexis Côté was originally in charge of. Marc-Alexis Côté then discovered that the new company was recruiting for a high-ranking position called "Head of Franchises," whose authority would effectively supersede his own.
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Marc-Alexis Côté claims that he applied for the position but was blocked by Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot for a rather straightforward and controversial reason: Côté was based in Canada, while the company wanted the position to be filled by someone based in France.
A heated argument ensued. Ubisoft offered an alternative: Marc-Alexis Côté could become Head of Production or lead a Creative House for secondary brands. However, for Côté, who had taken over the entire Assassin's Creed IP in 2022, this was clearly a demotion.
Disguised dismissal and non-compete agreement
The lawsuit documents state that Marc-Alexis Côté, feeling "confused and anxious," subsequently took two weeks off to reflect. However, after his leave ended, Ubisoft management issued an ultimatum: accept a new position or leave. Marc-Alexis Côté argued that this constituted "disguised dismissal" and demanded that the company pay severance pay as stipulated in his contract.
Ultimately, Ubisoft informed Marc-Alexis Côté that he didn't need to return to work before he was scheduled to, and unilaterally issued a notice of his "voluntary resignation." Marc-Alexis Côté is currently seeking severance pay and damages for emotional distress, and is asking the court to lift the restrictions of his non-compete clause.
Ubisoft has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
