Leaving Ubisoft "was not my decision," says Désilets
Ubisoft has announced the departure of Patrice Désilets once again, after rumors of his leaving and the cancellation of his projects surfaced earlier. Since the confirmation by Ubisoft, Désilets has since said he was fired from the company.
According to a statement given to Game Informer:
"The acquisition of THQ Montréal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Désilets, to our existing and renowned workforce," a representative for the firm stated.
"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."
Back in March, Ubisoft confirmed Désilets had returned to the company, stating it was "very pleased to welcome " him to Ubisoft again and anticipated "this renewed partnership will produce new ideas and high-quality titles for Ubisoft’s customers.”
Game Informer said Ubisoft declined to state provide a status update on Désilets' projects 1666 and Project Underdog.
However, Désilets has since told Polygon he was fired by Ubisoft.
"Contrary to any statements made earlier today, this morning I was terminated by Ubisoft," he said. "I was notified of this termination in person, handed a termination notice and was unceremoniously escorted out of the building by two guards without being able to say goodbye to my team or collect my personal belongings.
"This was not my decision. Ubisoft's actions are baseless and without merit. I intend to fight Ubisoft vigorously for my rights, for my team and for my game. "
Back in January when Ubisoft purchased THQ Montreal, Ubisoft Montreal president Yannis Mallat told the Financial Post that the firm was “very happy to look forward to working with [Désilets] again.”
During the THQ auction, Ubisoft purchased THQ Montreal along with the two projects led by Désilets – 1666 and Project Underdog.
Désilets was creative director at Ubisoft Montreal before he left in 2010.