Benoit Richer, the game director for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, has left Ubisoft. He has co-founded a new independent development studio called Servo Games, based in Quebec. The departure marks a notable shift in leadership for one of Ubisoft’s major upcoming projects.
Richer’s move was confirmed by reports from GamesIndustry.biz. He joins a growing trend of senior talent leaving large publishers to establish their own independent ventures. Servo Games is now operational in Quebec, a province with a significant concentration of game development studios.
Background on the Departure
Richer had been with Ubisoft for a number of years. He most recently served as the game director for Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, a title that has been described as a darker, more experimental entry in the long-running franchise. The project is set in a different era and location than the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The specific reasons for Richer’s departure have not been publicly detailed by either party. Ubisoft has not yet announced a replacement for him on the Codename Hexe project. The development of the game is expected to continue under new leadership.
The New Studio and Industry Context
Servo Games is co-founded by Richer and other unnamed industry veterans. The studio has not yet announced its first project or secured a publisher for its initial title. The formation of the studio reflects a broader pattern in the video game industry where experienced developers leave large corporations to pursue creative independence and ownership.
Quebec is a major hub for game development, hosting large studios from companies like Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, and Electronic Arts. The region also has a growing independent scene supported by tax credits and local talent pools. Servo Games will operate within this competitive and established ecosystem.
Impact on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe
Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe was first announced as part of Ubisoft’s broader roadmap for the franchise. It is intended to be a smaller, more narrative-focused experience compared to the massive role-playing game style of recent entries like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the upcoming Shadows. The game is not expected to be released for several years.
The departure of a game director at this stage of development can influence a project’s creative direction, but it is common in the industry for key personnel to change during development. Ubisoft likely has a deep bench of internal talent to take over the role. The company has not indicated any delays or changes to the project’s timeline as a result of Richer’s exit.
Moving forward, Servo Games will be one of several new independent studios to watch in Quebec. Richer’s departure from Ubisoft highlights the ongoing talent movement within the gaming sector. The next steps for both the independent studio and the Assassin’s Creed franchise remain to be seen.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
