In a groundbreaking move that’s set to shake up the gaming industry, Ubisoft has appointed Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot as the co-CEOs of its newly minted subsidiary. This strategic spinoff, revealed on March 27, aims to supercharge three of Ubisoft's blockbuster franchises: "Assassin's Creed," "Rainbow Six," and "Far Cry." The goal? To craft brand ecosystems that can thrive for years, generating a staggering billion euros!

This fresh venture marks an ambitious leap towards autonomy for development teams, giving them the agility necessary to unleash the full magic of these iconic games and redefine player experiences for the next generation. The project is on track for completion by the end of 2025.

With an impressive 35-year legacy at Ubisoft, Derennes has been at the forefront of game development, previously serving as the managing director for North America and leading the Montreal studio’s inception in 1997. Meanwhile, Charlie Guillemot, the son of Ubisoft co-founder Yves Guillemot, brings a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles at Ubisoft-owned Owlient.

The new subsidiary is bolstered by a whopping $1.25 billion investment from Tencent, which also holds a 10% stake in Ubisoft. Tencent will acquire a minority interest in this innovative entity, fully controlled by Ubisoft.

In an exclusive interview with Variety, Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in his team's decision to elevate Derennes and Charlie to lead this pioneering venture. He emphasized their deep understanding of the Ubisoft ecosystem and their commitment to innovation, noting that this leadership duo is essential for propelling the company into its next chapter.

"We want the teams who know and love these brands best to keep pushing forward, and we believe Christophe and Charlie can provide the framework for success," said Yves.

Amid concerns about nepotism regarding Charlie's appointment, he addressed the issue head-on, stating the focus should be on the work ahead rather than his family ties. "I've dedicated years to gaining experience and understanding the industry, and I aim to utilize that to push Ubisoft forward," he affirmed.

Both Charlie and Christophe are determined to cultivate an environment where creativity flourishes. They plan to focus on empowering their teams to take creative risks, ensuring a close connection to player expectations and delivering unforgettable gaming experiences. Christophe aims to build upon the solid foundation laid while leading these franchises, ensuring they evolve into cultural phenomena.

In a rapidly changing industry, this fresh strategic direction positions Ubisoft to remain at the forefront of gaming innovation. With such dynamic leadership, fans can expect thrilling updates and expansions to their beloved franchises in ways they never imagined.

The gaming world watches closely as Ubisoft embarks on this exciting journey, ready to redefine the future of immersive storytelling and gameplay!