Assassin’s Creed Hexe Experiences Second Director Departure in Two Months
Assassin’s Creed Hexe has seen some significant changes in its leadership, starting with the departure of creative director Clint Hocking at the end of February. Now, just two months later, game director Benoit Richer has also left the project to cofound an indie studio with a group of industry veterans, all sharing a common vision for game development.
Richer joined Ubisoft in 2017 after his stint directing Batman: Arkham Origins at Warner Bros. Montreal. He played a key role in the development of the 2018 VR psychological thriller Transference before taking on the role of game director for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and later Hexe. His exit marks the second notable departure from the project this year.
Hocking, a long-time Ubisoft contributor known for his work on Splinter Cell, Far Cry 2, and Watch Dogs Legion, was reportedly replaced on Hexe after Ubisoft brought back Jean Guesdon, the director of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag and Origins, to oversee the franchise’s creative direction. This change comes amid ongoing legal issues, as former franchise producer Marc-Alexis Côté is currently suing the company over an alleged “forced firing.”
A spokesperson for Ubisoft expressed gratitude for Hocking’s vision and contributions, wishing him well in his future endeavors. They assured fans that development on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is still progressing with an experienced team.
Details about Hexe remain scarce, but it is set during the “latter stages of the Holy Roman Empire” and is expected to incorporate elements of horror and witchcraft, marking a shift from the series’ usual focus on historical accuracy to a more supernatural narrative.
The game is not expected to launch until 2027, with Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynched slated to be Ubisoft’s major Assassin’s Creed title for 2026. What lies ahead for the franchise, including the potential return to a more frequent release schedule with remakes and spin-offs, is still uncertain.
