THQ has announced the opening of its Montreal Studio and the signing of Patrice Désilets, former Ubisoft director that was responsible for the Assassin’s Creed franchise and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Here’s a clip from the official press release:
Désilets previously served as creative director on the Assassin’s Creed franchise, as well as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. THQ has the exclusive option to have Désilets work from THQ’s new Montreal studio beginning summer 2011. When he joins the studio, Désilets will be charged with the hiring of a new team that will develop new intellectual properties for THQ.
This is a tremendous move by THQ. The company has been working hard to become more than just the publisher of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw and various Nickelodeon games. The company recently started the THQ Partners program and is publishing Double Fine’s Costume Quest, giving it some street cred as a “creative” publisher. Signing a highly-respected talent like Patrice Désilets increases that rep.
What do you think of THQ signing Désilets? He’s slated to work on a new franchise, but are there any existing THQ properties you think he could revamp?
Like you said when I think of THQ I think of all the fun and not so fun moments I had playing the wrestling games under their belt. I really enjoy the AC series so I think only good can come of this.