Ubisoft fires Patrice Desilets

Ubisoft has fired Patrice Desilets just months after returning to the publisher following its acquisition of THQ Montreal.

In a statement to Polygon, the Assassin’s Creed designer confirmed the exit was not his decision, and said he had been escorted out of the office by security after being told his contract would be terminated with immediate effect.

He added that he intended to fight “vigorously” for his rights.

“Contrary to any statements made earlier today, this morning I was terminated by Ubisoft," said Desilets.

"I was notified of this termination in person, handed a termination notice and was unceremoniously escorted out of the building by two guards without being able to say goodbye to my team or collect my personal belongings. This was not my decision."

"Ubisoft’s actions are baseless and without merit. I intend to fight Ubisoft vigorously for my rights, for my team and for my game."

A statement from Ubisoft suggested the publisher and Desilets had split after “good faith discussions” over aligning their visions had been inconclusive.

Desilets first left Ubisoft Montreal in June 2010, stating that he wanted a break from game development. The developer however later joined up with THQ to start a new studio, bringing along three key Ubisoft Montreal employees along with him.

Upon his return to Ubisoft in March following the company’s successful acquisition during the THQ auction, the publisher said it was “very please to welcome Patrice to Ubisoft again and anticipate that this renewed partnership will produce new ideas and high-quality titles for Ubisoft’s customers”.

The former Assassin’s Creed designer had been working on a new IP 1666 prior to his departure.