Former Assassin's Creed Boss Sues Ubisoft for €1.3 Million Over 2020 Resignation

Former CCO Serge Hascoët is suing Ubisoft for over €1.3 million. The lawsuit claims constructive dismissal, alleging his 2020 resignation was forced. Hascoët was a key figure behind franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.

Serge Hascoët, the former chief creative officer at Ubisoft and a key architect of franchises like Assassin's Creed, is suing the company for over €1.3 million (about Dhs 5.3 million). As reported by Video Games Chronicle, the lawsuit filed in France alleges constructive dismissal, claiming his resignation in July 2020 amidst a company-wide misconduct scandal was not voluntary.

What the Ubisoft lawsuit is about

The core of Hascoët's claim is constructive dismissal. This legal term means an employee was forced to resign because the employer created a hostile or intolerable work environment. His lawyer, Antonin Lévy, stated, "He was forced to resign. He was not fired, but he was forced to resign."

The lawsuit seeks €1,343,900 in damages. Hascoët argues that Ubisoft's handling of the 2020 allegations and the subsequent internal investigation made his position untenable, effectively forcing him out of the company. This case highlights the complexities of executive departures during corporate scandals and is one of many legal disputes in the gaming industry that question corporate conduct.

The 2020 Ubisoft misconduct scandal

Hascoët's resignation was not an isolated event. In the summer of 2020, Ubisoft faced numerous accusations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and a toxic 'boys' club' culture. The allegations implicated several high-ranking executives across its global studios.

Hascoët, who held immense creative control over games like Far Cry and was central to Ubisoft's direction for Assassin's Creed, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and fostering a toxic environment. The widespread reports led to an internal overhaul, multiple departures, and a public promise from CEO Yves Guillemot to reform the company's culture.

Ubisoft's response and what comes next

In response to the situation, Ubisoft provided a statement reinforcing its commitment to a better workplace. "Ubisoft takes all allegations of harassment and discrimination very seriously," the company said. "We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all our employees."

The lawsuit now proceeds through the French legal system. Its outcome could set a precedent for how companies handle high-profile executive departures linked to misconduct allegations. For Ubisoft, it reopens a difficult chapter as the company continues to manage its public image and internal culture.

The claim against Ubisoft

Serge Hascoët is seeking €1,343,900, which converts to approximately Dhs 5.3 million. The legal claim is filed in France and centres on 'constructive dismissal' under French labour law. This case brings the events of the 2020 'Ubisoftgate' scandal back into the spotlight, questioning the nature of the executive departures that followed the public outcry over the company's workplace culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Serge Hascoët?

Serge Hascoët is the former chief creative officer at Ubisoft. He was a powerful creative figure at the company, overseeing major franchises like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs before his resignation in 2020 amid misconduct allegations.

Why is Serge Hascoët suing Ubisoft?

He is suing Ubisoft for constructive dismissal and seeking over €1.3 million in damages. He claims his 2020 resignation was not voluntary but was forced upon him by the company's handling of widespread misconduct allegations against him and other executives.

What is constructive dismissal?

Constructive dismissal is a legal claim where an employee resigns because their employer’s actions made the work environment so intolerable they were effectively forced to leave. The resignation is treated as a termination, allowing the employee to seek damages.

What were the allegations against Ubisoft executives in 2020?

In 2020, numerous reports accused high-ranking Ubisoft staff, including Serge Hascoët, of sexual harassment, misconduct, and fostering a toxic workplace culture. The scandal led to multiple resignations, firings, and a company-wide internal investigation.