Marc-Alexis Côté, who led the Assassin’s Creed franchise for nearly two decades, has filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft alleging constructive dismissal. Côté claims he was pressured to step down from his leadership position and offered a role within Ubisoft’s Vantage Studios—a Tencent-backed subsidiary—that he considered a significant downgrade in terms of scope and mandate. This new position did not suit his career ambitions, as it did not include the responsibilities he previously managed within the franchise.
Côté alleges that after declining the less prestigious positions, Ubisoft announced he left voluntarily—a statement he disputes, believing it aimed to sever his rights to severance pay and maintain his non-compete clause. Côté argues this clause unfairly constrains his employment opportunities in the gaming industry. As a result, he is seeking approximately CAD $1.3 million, which includes two years’ salary and $75,000 in moral damages, alongside the removal of the non-compete clause.
Ubisoft, on the other hand, maintains that Côté’s departure was voluntary and that the new position offered was a fair opportunity. The legal proceedings will determine if Côté’s allegations of constructive dismissal hold merit and whether the non-compete clause should be lifted, allowing him to pursue opportunities with other gaming companies. The case shines a light on workplace practices and the treatment of high-ranking employees within major corporations.

Collections

Marc-Alexis Côté, former Assassin's Creed franchise lead, is suing Ubisoft for constructive dismissal after allegedly being pressured to step down and offered a downgraded position at Tencent-backed Vantage Studios. He disputes Ubisoft's claim that he left voluntarily and is seeking CAD $1.3 million in damages plus removal of his non-compete clause. Ubisoft maintains the departure was voluntary and the new role was a fair opportunity.

Former Assassin's Creed Lead Sues Ubisoft for Constructive Dismissal