Desilets joins THQ amid ‘staff poach’ row

Patrice Desilets, a developer known for making key contributions to the Prince of Persia and Assassin’s Creed franchises, has now officially joined THQ.

He left Ubisoft Montreal last year, claiming he wanted a break from game development. This proved to be untrue.

Desilets instead signed with THQ and allegedly brought with him several senior staff from his former employer.

Both THQ and Ubisoft are locked in a legal row over the matter. Ubisoft believes THQ has unfairly poached talent.

THQ this week anounced it will close its New York and UK studios, as part of a wider drive to push talent in its Canada studio. The livelihoods of over 100 staff are at risk.