**Ubisoft Introduces New Leadership for the Assassin’s Creed Franchise**
Just four months following the surprising exit of former leader Marc-Alexis Côté, Ubisoft has reinstated its leadership for the esteemed franchise, *Assassin’s Creed*. Côté departed amidst accusations of being ousted, and Ubisoft has now tasked three experienced veterans of the series with steering its future under Vantage Studios, supported by Tencent.
On February 23, Ubisoft declared that Martin Schelling, Jean Guesdon, and François de Billy will assume crucial positions in reshaping *Assassin’s Creed*, a franchise that has seen remarkable success in the historical open-world action category. Each leader possesses extensive expertise, having played key roles in some of the franchise’s most acclaimed titles over the years.
**Defined Leadership Roles**
Martin Schelling has taken on the role of head of the *Assassin’s Creed* brand. He is charged with overseeing the franchise’s comprehensive strategy and long-term vision. With a distinguished background as Ubisoft’s chief production officer, Schelling’s 17 years of experience encompass essential production roles on *Assassin’s Creed Revelations*, *Black Flag*, *Origins*, and *Valhalla*.
François de Billy has been named the “Head of Production Excellence.” This ambitious designation reflects his duty to enhance production processes and mitigate any friction within complex workflows. De Billy’s ties to the franchise include serving as production director on *Black Flag*, *Origins*, and *Valhalla*, alongside his positions as executive producer and associate producer on *Assassin’s Creed 2*.
Jean Guesdon returns as the head of content for *Assassin’s Creed*, taking charge of the franchise’s creative direction while aiding individual game development. Having previously been the creative director on *Black Flag* and *Origins*, Guesdon’s familiarity with the franchise is extensive. He momentarily left Ubisoft for Behaviour Interactive in 2023, where he contributed to a promising but ultimately shelved project called “Renaissance,” a voxel-based game reminiscent of *Minecraft*.
**Navigating a Transitioning Phase**
The appointments of Schelling, de Billy, and Guesdon fill a leadership void left by Côté’s exit after nearly 20 years. Côté is reportedly engaged in litigation against Ubisoft for an allegedly forced dismissal, although the company asserts that he was offered a leadership position at Vantage Studios, which he declined.
Ubisoft’s leadership seems eager to sustain the popularity and expansion of *Assassin’s Creed*, particularly as the franchise has faced challenges in delivering a coherent meta-narrative and timely releases in recent times. Plans to link future installments within a larger framework have yielded mixed outcomes.
The franchise’s latest installment, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, has emerged as a considerable success, providing essential support to Ubisoft as it faced financial struggles leading to a significant buyout by Tencent.
**Upcoming Projects in Progress**
As part of the reorganization, Ubisoft has several *Assassin’s Creed* projects in the works, including both multiplayer and single-player experiences. A notable remake of the cherished *Black Flag* is among the projects being developed.
Ubisoft’s shift to Vantage Studios and partnerships enhanced by its Tencent collaboration indicate a committed effort to revitalize its most cherished franchises. This restructuring not only aims to improve operational efficiency but also reinforces its dedication to fostering creative storytelling and captivating gameplay within the *Assassin’s Creed* universe.
