Former Director: Ubisoft is Experiencing a Talent Loss
Ubisoft has long been known for its large open-world games and sequels. While brands like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry form the backbone of the company, criticisms of this “same formula” are increasingly being voiced. Now, a name from within the company has joined this debate. Former Assassin’s Creed director Alex Hutchinson argues that Ubisoft has retreated from taking creative risks in recent years.
Is Ubisoft Closed to New Ideas?
Speaking to PC Gamer, Hutchinson says that Ubisoft once managed large teams like small, independent groups, producing fast and ambitious projects. However, he says that in recent years, with increased investment and private equity, many senior figures have left the company. According to him, this process has naturally led to a wave of “talent loss.”
Hutchinson argues that Ubisoft has become “allergic” to new ideas. He notes that the company has historically been open to both sequels and new projects, but over time, ideas deemed risky have been shelved. He cites the cancellation of his own space-themed Pioneer project, which was briefly referenced in Watch Dogs 2, as an example.
These criticisms become more relevant when considering Ubisoft’s recent games. Even new IPs like Star Wars Outlaws or Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora have largely retained the familiar open-world formula. The company has strong brands, but there’s a widespread view that it takes a cautious approach to “trying something new.”
On the other hand, Ubisoft is still developing major projects. However, in an era of rapid industry change, the balance between creative risk and safeguarding the formula is more critical than ever. Hutchinson’s words are not merely a complaint; they also reignite a broader discussion about how to protect creativity within major studios.
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