Assassin’s Creed: Hexe director, Clint Hocking, has left Ubisoft as part of franchise upheaval

February 25, 2026 - 23:46

Clint Hocking, the creative director appointed to lead the highly anticipated and reportedly darker Assassin’s Creed: Hexe, has exited Ubisoft. This significant departure is part of a broader upheaval within the storied franchise, as the publisher reassesses its development strategy.

Hocking, a veteran game designer with a respected portfolio, was seen as a pivotal figure for Hexe. His prior work includes acclaimed titles like Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Far Cry 2, generating considerable excitement for his unique vision for the new Assassin’s Creed installment. Details on Hexe remain scarce, but it is understood to be a distinct, horror-tinged entry set during the witch trials in the Holy Roman Empire.

His departure follows the recent announcement that Ubisoft is refocusing its Assassin’s Creed pipeline, delaying some projects and reevaluating others. This move suggests a strategic shift for the series, which has seen annualized releases expand into a vast, interconnected gaming universe. The studio has confirmed that development on Hexe will continue under new leadership, though no successor has been named. The industry is now watching closely to see how this creative change will impact one of Ubisoft's most important upcoming projects.