Just when things seemed to be going right for Assassin’s Creed, there is a bit of turbulence behind the scenes, specifically for Codename Hexe.
According to recent updates, Hexe has now lost its second game director, with Benoit Richer stepping away from Ubisoft entirely to join an indie studio. There is no drama publicly attached to the move to an indie studio; it just sounds like a standard “new chapter” situation, but the timing of the move is hard to ignore.
This comes only weeks after a broader shakeup in the franchise’s leadership, and it does not exactly inspire confidence in Hexe’s development stability.
What makes it more surprising is that the Assassin’s Creed series itself is actually in a strong place right now. Shadows has been doing well, and genuine excitement is building around Black Flag Resynched, which is shaping up to be a full-on remake rather than a simple remaster. With updated visuals, a revamped engine, and new content, it feels like Ubisoft is finally capitalising on the franchise’s legacy in a meaningful way.
That is what makes Heze stand out even more. While the short-term future of the series looks solid, Hexe represents the longer-term vision, and right now, that vision feels just a little uncertain.
It is a shame, because Hexe has been one of the more intriguing projects Ubisoft has teased in years. Rumours suggest a darker setting focused on witch trials in the Holy Roman Empire, with a heavier emphasis on persecution, paranoia, and possibly even supernatural elements. That is a big tonal shift for the series, and honestly, it sounds like exactly the kind of risk Assassin’s Creed needs.
For now, though, it is a waiting game. Leadership changes do not automatically mean a project is in trouble, but losing two directors in quick succession definitely raises eyebrows. Hopefully, Ubisoft can steady the ship, because Hexe still has the potential to be something really special.
Read more about this news over at GameRant
