Eric Baptizat, a seasoned director known for his work on key Assassin's Creed titles, has returned to Ubisoft to spearhead future developments for the franchise. Baptizat, who spent nearly 16 years at Ubisoft before departing in 2021, is set to lead development on upcoming Assassin's Creed games.
During his time away from Ubisoft, Baptizat contributed to the critically acclaimed Dead Space Remake as director at EA Motive and also served as a game director on Battlefield 6. His return to the Assassin's Creed family was announced by Jean Guesdon, Head of Content for Assassin's Creed, via LinkedIn. Guesdon expressed confidence in Baptizat's expertise, rigor, and collaborative spirit, highlighting his significant contributions to games such as Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Assassin's Creed Origins, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
Baptizat's return comes at a time when Ubisoft is undergoing structural changes, including the recent split into Ubisoft and Vantage Studios following a partnership with Tencent. This move occurs after several challenging years for the company, despite the release of some well-received titles.
One of the immediate projects Baptizat is expected to be involved with is Assassin's Creed Hexe, though details about this upcoming title remain scarce. Reports suggest it is at least a year away from release.
The re-engagement of Baptizat signals a potential strategic shift for Ubisoft as it navigates a dynamic industry landscape and aims to build upon the legacy of its flagship franchises. His extensive history with the series and proven track record in directing major game releases are seen as valuable assets for the future of Assassin's Creed.