14 DAY TRIAL // The lead creative designer on franchises like Assassin's Creed or Prince of Persia, Patrice Desilets, has just confirmed that he will move from Ubisoft Montreal to THQ's brand new division in the same Canadian city.
After Assassin's Creed 2 was officially released last year, and the release of its two pieces of downloadable content, Desilets revealed that he will go on a creative break, in order to spend time with his family.
This move was a bit surprising, considering he worked for Ubisoft for the last 13 years, playing a huge part in the Prince of Persia Sands of Time trilogy and in the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Now, Desilets will work with the new THQ Monteal studio, which will be opened next year.
"The best way we can deliver fresh, high-quality gaming experiences is by working with the best talent. THQ is delighted to have the opportunity to make a brilliant addition to our team next year with Patrice Désilets," said Danny Bilson, THQ Executive Vice President, Core Games.
"We expect calendar 2011 to be a watershed year for THQ, and adding developers like Patrice helps ensure our focus on new IP and great games charted by leading industry artists."
Desilets revealed in an open letter to Kotaku that the decision to leave Ubisoft was a difficult one, but he will once again prove his worth leading THQ's new Montreal studio.
"Today, I am happy to share with you my decision to join forces with THQ. Under my own label and team, which has yet to be created, I will be making my next few games within THQ's Montreal-based studios," revealed Desilets.
The Canadian designer will start work next year though, as certain contracts and a respect for Ubisoft prevent him from going out of the creative hiatus he assumed this spring.
He still revealed that he will reveal his next project at next year's E3 conference in Los Angeles, so we'll just have to wait and see.