Forging a New Path: Hocking's Visionary Studio Emerges

The Genesis of Build Machine Games: A "Lean and Fast" Approach

Clint Hocking, celebrated for his significant contributions to titles like "Far Cry 2" and the unreleased "Assassin's Creed Hexe," has unveiled his new game development company, Build Machine Games. Following his departure from Ubisoft, Hocking announced the formation of his studio on LinkedIn, characterizing it as both "lean and fast" yet "bold and ambitious."

Aspirational Goals and Core Principles for Gaming Innovation

The studio's foundational philosophy, as articulated by Hocking, is to broaden the artistic scope of interactive entertainment. They aim to craft games that evoke strong emotions, address pertinent social issues, and stimulate players' introspection and empathy, alongside their cognitive abilities and reflexes. The official website for Build Machine Games further details its values, which include leadership, relentless pursuit of excellence, and continuous improvement, underscoring a commitment to empowering developers with autonomy and leveraging cutting-edge technology for inspiring game design.

Hocking's Illustrious Career and Recent Ubisoft Departure

Hocking's professional background is extensive, featuring roles as a level designer and scriptwriter for the original "Splinter Cell," and creative director for "Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory," "Far Cry 2," "Crucible," and "Watch Dogs: Legion." His impressive resume also includes a period at Valve, hinting at involvement in unannounced projects. His recent, abrupt departure from Ubisoft, where he was creative director for "Assassin's Creed Hexe," mirrors the earlier exit of "Assassin's Creed" franchise head Marc-Alexis Côté, which culminated in a lawsuit against Ubisoft. While there are no indications of similar disputes in Hocking's case, his departure suggests a significant strategic shift within Ubisoft's development teams.

The Future Landscape: New Opportunities and Canadian Talent

Despite the somewhat generic corporate language on the Build Machine Games website, Hocking's proven track record instills confidence in the potential of his new studio. Build Machine Games is actively recruiting for a select number of positions to commence work on its inaugural prototype. Notably, the studio is exclusively hiring Canadian residents, suggesting a commitment to fostering local talent and potentially hinting at a unique creative direction for their upcoming projects.