Ubisoft and Tencent are shaking things up with a new company that will take charge of Ubisoft’s top franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. The big question on everyone’s mind was who would actually run this new venture. Well, it turns out the Guillemot name still holds serious weight, as Charlie Guillemot, son of Ubisoft’s longtime CEO Yves Guillemot, will co-lead the subsidiary alongside Ubisoft veteran Christophe Derennes.
Announced recently, the new subsidiary marks a fresh chapter for Ubisoft’s Big Three franchises. While Ubisoft brings the games, Tencent brings the financial muscle, but the leadership? It’s a collaboration with a strong Ubisoft family presence. Charlie Guillemot, who once left Ubisoft to found a startup focused on anime avatar AI and NFTs, is making a comeback as co-CEO. Ubisoft’s announcement highlights its blend of management savvy, innovation, and a deep understanding of the gaming industry, all wrapped up in a “player-first” approach.
Charlie isn’t one of the original Guillemot brothers who founded Ubisoft, but rather Yves’ son. His previous work includes a role as studio manager and creative director on Tom Clancy’s Elite Squad, a mobile shooter that Ubisoft eventually shut down due to controversy surrounding its use of sensitive imagery. After leaving Ubisoft, Charlie co-founded Unagi, a Web3 gaming and AI startup. Now, he’s back to helm some of Ubisoft’s most iconic games.
On the other side of the leadership duo, Christophe Derennes brings over 35 years of experience at Ubisoft, having led Ubisoft Montreal and managed North American operations. He’s credited on dozens of Ubisoft titles, making him a steady, experienced hand. You might wonder why Ubisoft paired him with Charlie, perhaps to balance Christophe’s deep-rooted experience with Charlie’s fresh perspective and entrepreneurial mindset. Ubisoft even mentioned Charlie’s return in 2025 to join an internal transformation committee, emphasizing his commitment to innovation and player focus.
The new subsidiary aims to build “evergreen, multi-platform game ecosystems” and write the next chapter for these favorite franchises. Supported by Tencent’s investment and expertise, the studio will give development teams more autonomy and agility to unlock the full potential of these games and shape future player experiences.
Tencent’s investment is expected to finalize by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval. It’s a big move that could reshape how Ubisoft’s biggest series are developed and managed, with a blend of family legacy and new leadership energy steering the course.
What do you think about Charlie Guillemot’s return to Ubisoft and this new Tencent-backed subsidiary?
