Ubisoft has indefinitely suspended development on 1666, following the dismissal of Patrice Désilets, creative lead on this game, and creative director on Assassin’s Creed and Assassin’s Creed II.

Désilets left Ubisoft to set up a new Montreal-based studio with THQ. When that publisher folded earlier this year, Ubisoft picked up the studio and its intellectual property. However, Désilets was dismissed two months later.

In an investor call last night, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said, “After more than two months of discussion with [Désilets], we couldn't align our vision both on project development and team management. Consequently our collaboration has ended. We have suspended development on 1666 for an undisclosed time.”

After his dismissal last week, Désilets disputed Ubisoft’s contention that it was the cordial result of “good faith discussions”.

“Contrary to any statements made earlier today, this morning I was terminated by Ubisoft,” said Désilets. “I was notified of this termination in person, handed a termination notice and was unceremoniously escorted out of the building by two guards without being able to say goodbye to my team or collect my personal belongings.”

“Ubisoft's actions are baseless and without merit. I intend to fight Ubisoft vigorously for my rights, for my team and for my game.”

Superannuation suggests that the reason for the indefinite suspension of 1666 was that any cancellation would result in the intellectual property rights being returned to Désilets.

“Désilets' contract specifies that IP rights revert to him in event of the game's cancellation, similar to the arrangement Del Toro had with THQ,” said Superannuation.

“Ubisoft indefinitely suspending production on 1666 is a way for them to cancel the game without giving back Désilets his IP as per his contract.”