A significant shift in creative direction at Ubisoft Montreal suggests that Assassin’s Creed Hexe is being retooled to move away from the supernatural elements previously core to its identity. According to recent reports from prominent leaker j0nathan, the project is undergoing a major overhaul following a series of high-level departures and a change in leadership. Jean Guesdon, a veteran of the franchise who recently stepped into a broader oversight role for the series, is reportedly stripping the title of its magical features in favor of a more grounded, traditional experience.
The project, which was initially teased during the 2022 Ubisoft Forward event, was expected to lean heavily into the dark atmosphere of the 16th-century European witch trials. Early leaks suggested that the protagonist, Elsa, would possess supernatural abilities, including a “cat possession” mechanic used for reconnaissance and stealth. However, the new directive reportedly scraps these abilities entirely. This shift aligns with Guesdon’s history with the brand; as a creative lead on both Black Flag and Origins, his influence has historically focused on historical authenticity and systemic gameplay rather than overt fantasy.
This internal pivot follows the departures of several key figures, including creative director Clint Hocking and game director Benoit Richer. While Ubisoft has not officially commented on the reasons behind these exits, the timing coincides with the reported decision to remove the “Hexe” (witch) elements that gave the game its namesake. Industry insiders suggest that simplifying the gameplay scope by removing these complex magical systems could potentially accelerate the development timeline, moving the anticipated release closer to its current late-2027 target.
Public reaction to the news has been largely split between fans longing for the return of the series’ “social stealth” roots and those disappointed by the loss of a unique horror-inspired premise. While the dark setting of the witch hunts remains intact, the removal of actual witchcraft may reposition the narrative to focus on the paranoia and human cruelty of the era rather than the occult. Whether this “back-to-basics” approach will help Hexe stand out in an increasingly crowded franchise remains to be seen.
