Former Assassin's Creed and Far Cry director says Ubisoft 'became very allergic' to new games, which contributed to a 'talent drain'
PC Gamer
by Fraser Brown February 25, 2026
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Former Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry director Alex Hutchinson has pointed to several factors contributing to Ubisoft’s recent struggles, including a talent drain and a growing reluctance to embrace new game ideas. In an interview, Hutchinson revealed that during his time at Ubisoft, the company shifted away from fostering creative independence among development teams, which had previously allowed for faster and more innovative game creation. This shift, coupled with a surge in private equity investments, led many senior developers to leave the company or form their own studios, creating a significant drain on internal talent.
Hutchinson, who left Ubisoft in 2017 to co-found Typhoon Studios, highlighted how the pandemic worsened management challenges at the massive publisher. With large teams working remotely, communication broke down, and junior staff lost opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues. This lack of mentorship, combined with a rigid work environment, stifled creativity and momentum within the company.
One notable example of Ubisoft’s hesitancy to explore new creative directions was the cancellation of *Pioneer*, a sci-fi project Hutchinson was working on before leaving. Originally conceived as a peaceful exploration game, it was eventually reimagined as a co-op shooter—a drastic change that effectively killed the original vision. This decision, along with others like it, contributed to Hutchinson’s departure and reflects a broader pattern at Ubisoft of prioritizing sequels over innovative new ideas.
Hutchinson’s insights shed light on how Ubisoft’s internal challenges have impacted its creative output and reputation in the gaming industry. The company’s struggles are not just a concern for employees or shareholders but also for players, as fewer risks on innovative projects can lead to a lack of fresh experiences in an ever-evolving market. While franchises like *Assassin’s Creed* remain popular, the absence of bold new ideas has left many fans and industry
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/25/2026