Ubisoft’s ongoing organizational restructuring has led to the departure of Clint Hocking, a well-known creative director associated with several major titles, including *Far Cry 2*, *Watch Dogs Legion*, and *Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory*. Hocking was also tied to the development of the upcoming installment, *Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe*. This news was reported by Very Gary Computing, and it was communicated to staff by the new leadership team for the *Assassin’s Creed* brand, which includes Jean Guesdon as the newly appointed head of content. Guesdon is set to take over as the creative director for *Hexe*.
A spokesperson for Ubisoft expressed gratitude for Hocking’s contributions, stating, “We sincerely thank [Clint] for his vision, creative contributions, and dedication over the years, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.” The spokesperson assured that the development for *Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe* would continue with an experienced team, emphasizing that the game would present something unique within the franchise.
Clint Hocking is recognized in the gaming industry for coining the term “ludonarrative dissonance,” which refers to the disconnect between a game’s gameplay mechanics and its narrative. He is also regarded as a pioneer in the immersive/enhanced simulation genre. In a past essay, Hocking expressed his belief in the sacredness of player agency, suggesting that what constitutes a game lies within the player’s experience rather than in its code.
*Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe* was announced in 2022 and is described as venturing into the realms of occult horror, set against the backdrop of the witch trials in the Holy Roman Empire. Initial reports indicated a shift in thematic direction for the franchise, diverging from its traditional historical roots.
Hocking’s exit is part of a wider trend of restructuring at Ubisoft, which has seen the company transform into a series of “creative houses.” This transition has involved the cancellation of several projects, studio closures, and layoffs. Additionally, former *Assassin’s Creed* executive Marc-Alexis Côté is currently suing Ubisoft for £1 million, alleging that his departure was forced. CEO Yves Guillemot has emphasized the necessity for “disciplined workforce management,” even while facing criticism over leadership decisions, including appointing his son to lead a new studio within the company.
As Ubisoft navigates these changes, the future direction of the *Assassin’s Creed* franchise and its reception will be closely watched by both fans and industry observers.
