The series of layoffs at Ubisoft continues. This time around, it's Creative Director Ashraf Ismail's turn to lose his job. He was at the head of the studio that produced the next title of the video game publisher, Assassin's Creed Valhalla , whose marketing - much awaited - is set for November 17.
Ashraf Ismail is accused by an employee of having lied about her marital status and of having taken advantage of her status to have extramarital affairs. During June, he announced that he was taking a step back. In a tweet, he said to himself "deeply sorry for all those who have been hurt".
Ubisoft confirmed to AFP the dismissal of the creative director after an internal investigation, without specifying whether this investigation was related to the accusations of the employee.
Ashraf Ismail joined Ubisoft's studio in Montreal (Canada) in 2011. He had already provided creative direction for two previous titles in the Assassin's Creed series: Black Flag , released in 2013 and Origins , which dates from 2017.
The hunt for "toxic behavior"
Since the emergence of the first testimonies at the end of June, several executives of the Ubisoft group have been pushed towards the exit or have resigned. Among them, the number 2 of the group, Serge Hascoët, who left his position as head of creation in mid-July.
The head of the Montreal studio, the vice-president in charge of editorial service as well as the group's director of human resources have also left the company.
"Ubisoft has not been able to guarantee its employees a safe and inclusive working environment", regretted Yves Guillemot, the manager quoted in the press release announcing their departure. " It's not acceptable. Any toxic behavior is in total opposition to the values with which I have never compromised and with which I will not compromise, ”he said.
The Ubisoft company has 18,000 employees worldwide, 22% of whom are women. It has launched several internal investigations since the first revelations published by Liberation and the Numerama site and began restructuring its human resources department, accused of having covered up certain toxic behavior.
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