In a move that bears similarity to the Vince/Zampella v. Activision debacle, we’ve learned today that Game designer Patrice Desilets has been fired by Ubisoft. Desilets served as creative director for Ubisoft until departing in 2010, where he found work as a creative director for THQ in 2011. Following THQ’s bankrupcy, Desilets returned to Ubisoft after the publisher acquired THQ Montreal in an auction by THQ.
Ubisoft’s official statement on the matter states:
“The acquisition of THQ Montréal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Désilets, 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 Montréal’s past and future successes.”
However, a tweet from Patrice Desilets states that Ubisoft had fired him and that leaving was not his decision.
Contrary to reports, I didn’t leave, Ubisoft fired me, and I intend to fight them vigorously for my rights, my team and my game.
— Patrice Desilets (@PatriceDez) May 7, 2013
