Former Assassin’s Creed Boss Sues Ubisoft for More Than $1.3 Million, Alleges ‘Constructive Dismissal’
Marc-Alexis Côté, the longtime executive behind Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise, has filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft seeking over 1.3 million Canadian dollars in damages — roughly $935,000 USD — claiming that his departure from the company in late 2025 was effectively a forced removal rather than a voluntary resignation. The case was filed in the Superior Court of Quebec and centers on Côté’s belief that Ubisoft unfairly pushed him out amid a corporate restructuring.
Allegations of Constructive Dismissal
According to court documents, Côté — who served as vice president and executive producer on Assassin’s Creed titles including Assassin’s Creed Shadows — argues that Ubisoft’s internal changes in 2025 amounted to a constructive dismissal, meaning he was essentially forced to leave due to changes in his role that made continued employment untenable.
Radio-Canada and legal filings indicate that Ubisoft created a new subsidiary, Vantage Studios, backed by Tencent, to oversee its biggest franchises — including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. Under the reorganization, a new Head of Franchise role was established (based in France), which assumed many of the responsibilities Côté previously held. Because the new role would require relocation and he was not eligible for it, Ubisoft reportedly offered him a lesser position. Côté felt this change was effectively a demotion and an erosion of his influence within the company.
Career and Departure Details
Côté had reported directly to Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot before the restructuring. When he declined the lower-level role and requested severance in October 2025, Ubisoft is alleged to have informed him not to return to work and then publicly described his departure as a voluntary resignation — a characterization he disputes. The lawsuit asserts this misrepresentation allowed the company to avoid severance obligations.
The damages sought reportedly include:
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Two years’ salary, reflecting the value of the employment he lost;
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75,000 CAD in moral damages for harm to his reputation and career prospects;
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Removal of a non-compete clause that currently limits his ability to work elsewhere in the industry.
Industry Context
Côté has been a major figure in Assassin’s Creed development for over a decade, contributing to major entries in the franchise since Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010). His departure was first reported in late 2025, shortly after Assassin’s Creed Shadows launched. While Ubisoft and Côté have not publicly commented on specifics of the lawsuit or its resolution, the legal action showcases growing tensions around corporate restructuring and executive leadership within major game companies.