Patrice Désilets Reflects on 1666: Amsterdam and the Legacy Leading to Assassin's Creed Hexe
Patrice Désilets opens up about the controversy surrounding his canceled game 1666: Amsterdam and its suspected influence on the upcoming Assassin's Creed Hexe.
A Visionary Returns to the Spotlight
Patrice Désilets, the creative mastermind widely recognized for establishing the foundational DNA of the Assassin's Creed franchise, has recently opened up about the turbulent history of his ambitious, cancelled project, 1666: Amsterdam. The game, which was once the subject of intense industry scrutiny and legal battles, has long been rumored to have influenced the direction of the upcoming Assassin's Creed Hexe.
The Controversy of 1666: Amsterdam
During a recent discussion, Désilets reflected on the public and internal reaction to the cancellation of 1666: Amsterdam. When asked about the controversies surrounding the project, he famously noted, "We were used to it," referring to the pressures and professional challenges inherent in high-stakes game development. The project, which aimed to explore dark, historical themes surrounding the occult, faced significant hurdles during its development cycle under THQ, ultimately stalling before the rights were eventually reclaimed.
Connecting the Dots to AC Hexe
Fans have frequently drawn parallels between the thematic elements of 1666: Amsterdam—specifically its focus on witchcraft, superstition, and dark atmospheric settings—and what little has been revealed about Assassin's Creed Hexe. While Ubisoft has kept specific details under wraps, the industry consensus is that Hexe acts as a spiritual successor or a refinement of the concepts Désilets originally championed. By revisiting the idea of a darker, more mature narrative rooted in historical folklore, the development team appears to be circling back to the creative impulses that defined Désilets' early career.
Moving Forward in the Industry
Désilets, now independent, maintains a unique perspective on the evolution of the genre. He acknowledges that while the industry is quick to move on from controversies, the creative visions often persist in new iterations. For many, his commentary serves as a reminder that the legacy of Assassin's Creed is built as much on its canceled dreams as it is on its commercial successes.
