New Assassin's Creed Leadership Team Announced by Ubisoft Subsidiary Vantage Studios

IGN
by Tom Phillips
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Vantage Studios, a subsidiary of Ubisoft, has unveiled a new leadership team to head the iconic Assassin's Creed franchise. Martin Schelling, a seasoned producer with a track record on titles like Black Flag and Valhalla, will lead the team as Executive Producer. He will be supported by Jean Guesdon, who transitions into Head of Content, bringing over a decade of experience designing for the series. François de Billy joins as Head of Production Excellence, having previously directed games such as Valhalla and Origins. This shift follows Marc-Alexis Côté's departure last October, who claimed he was replaced by Vantage Studios' new leadership, leading to a legal dispute with Ubisoft. Schelling's appointment marks his return to the franchise after serving as Ubisoft's Chief Production Officer. His experience and strategic vision are expected to steer Assassin's Creed into new directions, building on the success of recent titles like Valhalla. Guesdon's deep familiarity with the series' lore and design will ensure creative consistency, while de Billy's focus on production excellence aims to maintain high-quality game development. The leadership change underscores Ubisoft's strategic pivot under Vantage Studios, aiming to align franchise management with its business goals. This restructuring has been met with interest from fans, as it signals potential shifts in the series' creative and operational approaches. With multiple projects in development, including a highly anticipated Black Flag remake, the future of Assassin's Creed is poised for innovation and evolution. This leadership transition matters significantly to gaming enthusiasts, as it influences the direction and quality of upcoming titles. The legal implications of Côté's departure highlight internal management dynamics at Ubisoft, offering insights into corporate strategy changes. Fans will watch closely to see how the new team shapes the future of one of gaming's longest-running franchises,
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Originally published on IGN on 2/23/2026