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Ubisoft working on live-service Assassin's Creed Infinity

Ubisoft working on live-service Assassin's Creed Infinity

French publishing giant Ubisoft has unveiled its plans for a new kind of Assassin's Creed game.

In a blog post, the firm revealed that it was working on a project codenamed Infinity, which is a live-service-centred take on the action franchise. Work is being handled by Ubisoft's Montreal and Quebec studios.

The collaboration is being handled with a cross-studio structure, with Ubisoft Quebec's Marc-Alexis Côté serving as executive producer on the franchise. Meanwhile, Assassin's Creed brand director, Étienne Allonier from Ubisoft Montreal, is also heading up this work. Finally, production is being handled by Montreal's Julien Laferrière – in his role as senior producer – while Jonathan Dumont and Clint Hocking are serving as creative directors.

Some of these appointments have been the subject of criticism, not least because a Gamasutra report from August 2020 called out both Dumont and Côté for their workplace behaviour. There were allegations the former was "an abusive and controlling figure" while the latter was accused of permitting a toxic working environment at Ubisoft Quebec.

In a statement to GI.biz, Ubisoft reiterated that it was investigating allegations levelled against its staff.

"We have full confidence in the entire Assassin's Creed team," the company said.

"Ubisoft takes each and every allegation seriously and conducted a series of investigations over the last year led by independent third parties taking swift and appropriate actions based on their outcome, including warnings, removal of managerial responsibility or dismissal.

"While we won't go into specific details about individuals, any employee that had allegations and remain at Ubisoft has had their case rigorously reviewed by a third party and were either exonerated or underwent appropriate disciplinary actions. Ubisoft is committed to creating an exemplary culture where everyone feels valued and respected. We do not and will not tolerate abuse, harassment or discrimination. We've made significant internal changes and updates to create a safe and more inclusive workplace which were recently addressed by our CEO."


PCGamesInsider Contributing Editor

Alex Calvin is a freelance journalist who writes about the business of games. He started out at UK trade paper MCV in 2013 and left as deputy editor over three years later. In June 2017, he joined Steel Media as the editor for new site PCGamesInsider.biz. In October 2019 he left this full-time position at the company but still contributes to the site on a daily basis. He has also written for GamesIndustry.biz, VGC, Games London, The Observer/Guardian and Esquire UK.