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Ubisoft and Patrice Desilets in messy second breakup

UPDATED Ubisoft re-acquired departed Assassin's Creed developer Patrice Desilets when it purchased THQ's Montreal office in January. Now Desilets has left the company again.

Kris Ligman, Blogger

May 7, 2013

1 Min Read
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Assassin's Creed designer Patrice Desilets departed Ubisoft in 2010 and went to work on a game at THQ's Montreal office. However, with THQ's bankruptcy filing earlier this year, other publishers swept in to acquire THQ's assets, with Ubisoft purchasing its Montreal studio - rendering Desilets an employee of Ubisoft again. Such a twist might work out in a romantic comedy, but not so much in real life. Ubisoft informed Kotaku today that Desilets is no longer at the company (once more):

The acquisition of THQ Montreal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Desilets, to our existing and renowned workforce. Unfortunately, since the acquisition, the good faith discussions between Patrice and Ubisoft aimed at aligning Patrice's and the studio's visions have been inconclusive. As a result, Patrice has left the studio. Our priorities remain with the teams already hard at work on projects in development. They are at the root of Ubisoft Montreal's past and future successes.

UPDATE: Desilets has released a statement that his most recent departure from Ubisoft was involuntary.

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

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