The creative director behind Assassin's Creed, Patrice Desilets has been fired by Ubisoft, the designer has claimed.
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The designer had only just rejoined Ubisoft this year, following the company's acquisition of THQ Montreal, the studio he left to form in 2010.
Earlier Ubisoft released a statement claiming Desilets parted ways after "good faith discussions."
"Contrary to any statements made earlier today, this morning I was terminated by Ubisoft," Desilets said in a statement. "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.
"This was not my decision."
The designer called Ubisoft's actions "baseless and without merit," adding that, "I intend to fight Ubisoft vigorously for my rights, for my team and for my game."
Previously an Ubisoft spokesperson confirmed Desilets' departure, stating that Ubisoft and Patrice were unable to align their visions.
The decision followed "good faith discussions," the company said.
"The acquisition of THQ Montréal in January allowed Ubisoft to welcome 170 experienced developers, including Patrice Désilets, to our existing and renowned workforce.
"Unfortunately, since the acquisition, the good faith discussions between Patrice and Ubisoft aimed at aligning Patrice's and the studio's visions have been inconclusive. As a result, Patrice has left the studio. Our priorities remain with the teams already hard at work on projects in development. They are at the root of Ubisoft Montréal's past and future successes."
After serving as creative director on the Assassin's Creed and Prince of Persia franchises, Désilets quit Ubisoft in 2010 before joining THQ the following year to head up the firm's new Montreal studio.
The French publisher paid $2.5 million for the Montreal studio this year which, according to official auction results, was working on two games; the previously-outed '1666', and a new game entitled 'Underdog'.
At the time of Desilets' return to Ubisoft, the firm issued a statement stating that it was "very pleased to welcome Patrice to Ubisoft again."
"[Ubisoft] anticipates that this renewed partnership will produce new ideas and high-quality titles for Ubisoft's customers," it added.
