The future of Assassin Creed Hexe, the franchise’s darkest and most anticipated entry, has been thrown into uncertainty following the sudden departure of its creative director. Clint Hocking, a 20-year Ubisoft veteran known for his work on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Far Cry 2, has left the project at a critical juncture, sending shockwaves through the community.
The news was shared internally this week by Ubisoft’s newly-formed Assassin’s Creed leadership team and subsequently confirmed by the publisher. While no official reason was given for Hocking’s exit, it adds to a growing sense of upheaval behind the scenes at the French studio.
A Visionary Departs, A Veteran Steps In
Hocking’s departure is a significant blow. He was not just any director; he was the creative force shaping Hexe’s unique identity—a game long rumored to embrace horror, supernatural elements, and a tone far removed from the series’ traditional historical action. His portfolio, which also includes Watch Dogs: Legion, made him one of Ubisoft’s most respected creative minds.
However, Ubisoft was quick to reassure fans that the project will not stall. Stepping into the role of creative director is Jean Guesdon, the newly appointed Head of Content for the entire Assassin’s Creed brand. Crucially, Guesdon is no stranger to the franchise’s biggest successes; he served as creative director on both the beloved pirate epic Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and the series reboot Assassin’s Creed Origins. He will be supported by a “seasoned team” dedicated to delivering something “distinctive”.
What is Assassin Creed Hexe?
Officially, Ubisoft has revealed very little about Hexe beyond a haunting 2022 teaser trailer featuring an insignia made of sticks and an ominous atmosphere. However, persistent leaks and reports paint a picture of the most unique entry in the series’ history:
- Setting: The game is widely expected to be set in Central Europe during the brutal witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, a time of mass hysteria and persecution.
- Tone: Described as the “darkest” Assassin’s Creed game yet, it will reportedly focus on horror and survival, moving away from the power fantasy of recent RPGs.
- Protagonist: Rumors suggest players will control a woman named Elsa, possibly an individual accused of witchcraft, who must navigate a world where fear is a weapon.
- Gameplay: Leaks hint at supernatural abilities, possession mechanics (such as controlling animals like cats), and a “fear system” where enemies react dynamically to the protagonist’s powers.
This combination of historical paranoia and supernatural elements is precisely why Hexe has become the most intriguing prospect in Ubisoft’s pipeline.
A Pattern of Upheaval
Hocking’s exit is not an isolated incident. It comes amid a massive corporate restructuring at Ubisoft, which has seen the creation of a new Tencent-backed subsidiary, Vantage Studios, to oversee the Assassin’s Creed franchise. This follows the contentious departure of longtime franchise boss Marc-Alexis Côté last October, who later announced his intention to sue the company, alleging he was “asked to step aside”.
The publisher is also implementing deep cost-cutting measures, which have already resulted in the cancellation of six games and the closure of two studios. In this context, a high-profile creative departure raises inevitable questions about whether the project’s vision was compromised.
Also, Read
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- Assassins Creed Hexe Taps Batman – Arkham Origins Director in Major New Update
Will Hocking’s Departure Be Felt in the Final Product?
For fans, the concern is valid. Does Guesdon’s appointment signal a seamless transition, or will Hexe become a patchwork of two different creative visions? Ubisoft’s statement that the game will be “distinctive” is intended to reassure, but the departure of the very person who conceptualized that distinctiveness is hard to ignore.
Guesdon’s pedigree is undeniable. Steering Black Flag and Origins to critical and commercial success proves he understands the franchise. However, those were broad, open-world adventures. Hexe is supposed to be something else entirely—a focused, terrifying, and experimental chapter.
For now, development continues. But the silence surrounding the reasons for Hocking’s exit, paired with the broader turmoil at Ubisoft, means that for the first time, the fate of one of gaming’s most promising concepts feels genuinely fragile. We’ll be watching closely for any further news.