Assassin’s Creed: Codename Red, set in a Japanese backdrop, is reportedly facing significant internal upheaval as several developers depart the project. An anonymous activist associated with the A Better Ubisoft program told TheGamer that some Quebec-based team members are reluctant to continue work due to concerns surrounding the creative director, Jonathan Dumont.
In 2020, Dumont faced formal accusations of toxic behavior and sexual harassment. The allegations included insults directed at subordinates and the harassment of women, particularly newcomers. Following these reports, a number of colleagues reportedly chose to leave the studio, highlighting a broader morale issue within the team.
According to the source, Dumont did attempt to address the concerns raised, yet memories of previous incidents lingered. The described climate, characterized by fear in the presence of management, contributed to a sense among some developers that they needed to seek reassurances from higher leadership to remain part of the project.
Ubisoft’s leadership later issued a response through Yves Guillemot, indicating that the individuals named in the discourse were “justified or justly punished” depending on the situation. This statement framed the actions as appropriate outcomes within the company’s governance and disciplinary processes.
As for the game’s trajectory, Assassin’s Creed: Codename Red is slated for a 2024 release and will be integrated into the Infinity platform, which is expected to feature additional projects including Assassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe, presented as part of ongoing narratives and historical explorations. The broader plan for Infinity has been a subject of interest among fans and industry watchers, who are following how the collection of titles will interconnect and expand the franchise’s universe.
These developments come as the publisher continues to manage a complex blend of creative exploration and organizational accountability within its studios. The wider industry is watching how Ubisoft handles leadership transitions, team dynamics, and the protection of employees while delivering high-profile, historically inspired adventures for players in North America and beyond. The situation also underscores ongoing conversations about workplace culture in large game studios and how public narratives intersect with internal policies and project timelines.
Source: VG Times