Earlier this morning THQ confirmed that Patrice Désilets, the former creative director behind Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series, was forming a new studio in Montreal for them. Désilets emailed an open letter to Kotaku to explain why. - Ed.
Montréal, October 2010
Hello everyone,
As you may know, last May, I made the difficult decision to leave Ubisoft after 13 incredible years. I felt that it was the right time for me to pursue new opportunities as well as enjoy life outside the industry. Since then, a lot of speculation and rumours grew as to where the next chapter of my career would bring me.
Today, I am happy to share with you my decision to join forces with THQ. Under my own label and team, which has yet to be created, I will be making my next few games within THQ's Montreal-based studios.
But...
I am very eager to start working on new games, but for various reasons and mostly out of respect for those who gave me my first chance in the industry, I will not be working on any projects until Summer of 2011.
Now I will go back to my obliged creative hibernation and enjoy spending time with my family... I can't wait to see you all at E3 2011 where I will be revealing a lot more. Until then, I hope you all buy and enjoy AC: Brotherhood and Homefront:) I know I will.
Thank you, see you soon.
Patrice Désilets A.K.A "the beard"
PS: Kudos to you guys at KOTAKU! You were right all along....