Rumor: Michel Ancel leaves Ubisoft Montpellier, Beyond Good & Evil 2's future in doubt

"Hello, sir. Yes, and if you'll just sign right here..."

"Um, excuse me, but what are you delivering, exactly?"

"Why, it's the rain you ordered, of course. For your parade."

According to a source close to Ubisoft Montpellier that spoke with French site Woot Gaming (translation via NeoGAF) Beyond Good & Evil creator Michel Ancel has bid a not-so-fond farewell to Ubisoft Montpellier in order to form his own studio. Apparently, another well-known developer will be joining him.

The source cited issues with Beyond Good & Evil 2's development as the reason behind Ancel's departure. However, Ancel hasn't flown the Ubisoft coop altogether, but instead wishes to pursue more "classical" 2D games under Ubisoft's umbrella.

Although nothing's been confirmed, this would seem to suggest that Beyond Good & Evil 2 - which Ancel was a driving force behind - is in trouble. Previously, the game was said to be "in production" after a long period of radio silence from Ubisoft.

We'll get in touch with Ubisoft and see if we can wrangle an official statement.