Ubisoft can’t seem to catch a break as the troubled developer has released yet another of its directors amidst a slew of sexual discrimination and misconduct accusations that have rocked the company this year.
Even as Ubisoft attempts to move forward and repair the damage done to its name, it seems like more and more employees are being terminated in an ongoing purge surrounding a host of allegations.
The most recent to be ousted is Hugues Ricour, the now former managing director of the company’s studio in Singapore. He was dismissed from his post after an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
“Effective immediately, Hugues Ricour is no longer Managing Director of Ubisoft Singapore,” Ubisoft’s Chief Studios Operating Officer Virginie Haas said in an email. “The results of the leadership audit that was conducted in the last few weeks by our external partners makes it impossible for him to continue in this position.”
This information was later confirmed by a Ubisoft spokesperson, who said that Ricour would no longer be the managing director in Singapore. However, they went on to say that Ricour would not be dismissed entirely from the company, and would instead be moved to a different office.
“We can confirm that Hugues Ricour is both stepping down from his role as (Managing Director) and also leaving the Singapore studio, but will remain at Ubisoft,” the spokesperson said.
The fact that he will be continuing on with the company in a different role is interesting, and time will tell if that actually happens. When Assassin’s Creed Valhalla director Ashraf Ismail stepped down over similar circumstances, he also hinted that he would be staying with Ubisoft. However, soon after, it was confirmed by the company that Ismail would be fully leaving and is no longer employed by the French game developer.
Ricour had an impressive and important resume with Ubisoft, including overseeing the Assassin’s Creed franchise and Immortals: Fenyx Rising. He was developing Skull and Bones, a naval combat game, when he stepped down.
A number of Ubisoft higher ups have been removed from their positions this year, including the former chief creative officer for the entire company, Serge Hascoet.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has promised to make improvements to the company in order to make Ubisoft a safe and inclusive working environment for everyone.
“I am truly sorry to everyone who was hurt,” Guillemot said during a Ubisoft Forward online event earlier this year. “We have taken significant steps to remove or sanction those who violated our values and code of conduct, and we are working to improve our systems and processes.”
