Games Thirst – Amazing Life
Patrice Désilets is suing Ubisoft for $400,000 and the rights to his 1666: Amsterdam IP, an event that saw the venerable developer and Ubisoft’s tumultuous history take a turn for the worse.
According to the filing obtained by Canadian news outlet La Presse, the filing includes statements from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot claiming he “loved 1666: Amsterdam,” and was interested in conducting its development.
The contract, which Désilets first started with THQ, gave him creative freedom on the title, which Ubisoft, the publisher that picked up the agreement when THQ failed, was unwilling to grant, leading to his dismissal in May.
Désilets’ contract with THQ specified that IP rights revert to him should the game become cancelled. Also in the filing, quotes attributed to Guillemot claim “the desperate” agreement between THQ and Désilets” provided “too much creative freedom” which would lead to Ubisoft having “difficulty controlling Désilets.”
Back in May, Ubisoft stated the acquisition of THQ Montréal in January allowed it to “welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Désilets,” and that unfortunately, “good faith discussions between Patrice and Ubisoft aimed at aligning Patrice’s and the studio’s visions,” became inconclusive.
Désilets is asking for the following in his suit, according to Game Informer:
- Reimbursement of all expenses through May 7, 2013 (totaling $35,000)
- Severance in the amount of $250,000
- Continuation of insurance through May 6, 2014
- Relocation and job search fees in the amount of $25,000
- Damages in the amount of $100,000 for misrepresenting the facts of the termination (Ubisoft stated that Désilets departed)
He is also seeking to instill the “turnaround right” clause which would grant him the rights to 1666: Amsterdam should it be canceled.
GameInformer has a nice breakdown of the entire fallout.
