Désilets issues open letter on THQ move, promises "next few games" with publisher

Following this morning's news that former Assassin's Creed boss Patrice Désilets had moved to THQ to head up the publisher's new studio, the developer has put out an open letter explaining why he won't be working on his new games until next summer and why he left Ubisoft in the first place.

The following was sent to Kotaku:

Montréal, October 2010

Hello everyone,

As you may know, last May, I made the difficult decision to leave Ubisoft after 13 incredible years. I felt that it was the right time for me to pursue new opportunities as well as enjoy life outside the industry. Since then, a lot of speculation and rumours grew as to where the next chapter of my career would bring me.

Today, I am happy to share with you my decision to join forces with THQ. Under my own label and team, which has yet to be created, I will be making my next few games within THQ's Montreal-based studios.

But...

I am very eager to start working on new games, but for various reasons and mostly out of respect for those who gave me my first chance in the industry, I will not be working on any projects until Summer of 2011.

Now I will go back to my obliged creative hibernation and enjoy spending time with my family... I can't wait to see you all at E3 2011 where I will be revealing a lot more. Until then, I hope you all buy and enjoy AC: Brotherhood and Homefront:) I know I will.

Thank you, see you soon.

Patrice Désilets A.K.A "the beard"

PS: Kudos to you guys at KOTAKU! You were right all along....

Swap the word "respect" for "contractual obligations" and you have a good idea of what's going on.

Désilets quit Ubisoft just before E3 this year.

THQ’s is to open a new studio in Montreal next year, and Désilets will head it up.

Désilets, who was creative director on the series and on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time for Ubisoft before moving up to a lead role on the Assassin’s Creed franchise, will be tasked to hire a team of developers for the new studio, which will open next summer.