Fired Ubisoft Director Ashraf Ismail Resurfaces at Tencent

Ashraf Ismail, who served as the creative director for Assassin’s Creed and was fired from Ubisoft Montreal after an investigation into misconduct, was hired last year to help lead the development of a game at the Tencent-owned TiMi Studio Group.

As reported by Axios, Ismail currently serves as a "consulting creative director" at Tencent's subsidiary. The Chinese technology giant opened a new studio in Montreal in July last year, hiring several former Ubisoft staffers who previously worked on Assassin's Creed games led by Ismail. According to Axios' source, Ismail has been involved in the studio since it opened.

Ismail was one of a number of Ubisoft employees who left the company or were fired in the wake of allegations of misconduct. His employment at the company was terminated in mid-2020 following an investigation based on accusations of marital infidelity and abuse of power.

The new role at TiMi Studio Group represents a second chance for the developer with the Chinese company vouching for him.

"During our work with Ash, he has carried himself in a professional manner and has consistently shown an eagerness to learn and grow as both a team member and person," TiMi's representative said in a statement to Axios. "We strive to provide a safe, respectful working environment for all and will continue to do so as our team grows and expands."