Ashraf Ismail, Creative Director of Assassin’s Creed, has left Ubisoft to join Tencent (TiMi) to develop a new game.
Ashraf Ismail was fired by Ubisoft in August 2020 due to alleged abuse of power and privacy scandal. Recently, Tencent confirmed to the media that Ismail is working as a consulting creative director at TiMi Studio.
While Tencent did not specify what game Ismail is developing, a source said that Ismail joined Tencent’s studio in Montreal, Canada which opened in July 2021. Several staff members of the studio from the former Montreal developer of Montreal. Ubisoft is Ismail’s subordinate, who was involved in the development of Assassin’s Creed.
Ashraf Ismail joins TiMi.
According to Reuters, TiMi Studio’s revenue in 2020 reached 10 billion dollars, becoming the largest developer in the world that year. The participation of the former creative director from Ubisoft, experts say, will significantly help Tencent develop the game series it is pursuing, especially Western-style products.
The new role is a second chance for a developer fired by Ubisoft to continue his dedication to the world’s leading game making franchise.
“We strive to provide a safe working environment that respects everyone and will continue to do so as our team grows and expands,” said Tencent after hiring the former director. Assassin’s Creed creation.
Tencent promotes game making overseas.
Since mid-2020, a number of developers and executives accused of misconduct have left or been fired by Ubisoft. Tencent does a great job in mobile games and is trying to expand into console games by setting up new studios, buying other studios, and hiring lots of experienced developers.
As for the Montreal team, in July 2021, Tencent management said they were looking for seasoned industry talent with experience in creating AAA open world games.
Currently in China, along with NetEase, Tencent is prevented from distributing games, so it decided to promote the international game segment.
