Assassin’s Creed Valhalla director makes sudden return to Ubisoft, and will lead the series moving forward

Eric Baptizat, the acclaimed director of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Black Flag, and Origins, has returned to Ubisoft after a five-year absence to lead development across the entire Assassin’s Creed franchise. Baptizat originally spent nearly 16 years at Ubisoft before departing in 2021 to join EA’s Motive Studio, where he directed the critically acclaimed Dead Space Remake and worked as a design director on Battlefield 6.

The return was announced by Jean Guesdon, head of content for Assassin’s Creed, via LinkedIn. Guesdon highlighted Baptizat’s extensive track record within the franchise, noting his “key contributions to Black Flag, Origins, and Valhalla” and praising his “passion for gameplay craft” and “deep connection to this franchise.”

This development comes as part of Ubisoft’s ongoing restructuring, which has realigned the Assassin’s Creed brand under the Tencent-backed Vantage Studios umbrella. The move reflects Ubisoft’s commitment to ensuring strong leadership for one of its most financially reliable properties. Baptizat’s appointment marks part of broader sweeping changes to the franchise’s leadership structure.

With his expertise spanning both the original Black Flag and the recent Valhalla, Baptizat is positioned to guide the series’ future direction. His return signals Ubisoft’s confidence in experienced industry veterans and suggests a focus on creative continuity within the franchise, even as the company undergoes significant structural reorganization.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla director makes sudden return to Ubisoft, and will lead the series moving forward

Sources