Former Assassin’s Creed Creative Director’s AAA Studio Shuttered by Tencent: What Went Wrong?

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the gaming industry, TiMi Montreal—the ambitious AAA studio founded by Ashraf Ismail, the visionary creative director behind Assassin’s Creed: Origins and Valhalla—has been abruptly shut down by its parent company, Tencent. The closure marks a sudden and devastating end to what many believed could have been one of the most exciting new developments in open-world gaming.

The Rise and Fall of TiMi Montreal

Ashraf Ismail, a name synonymous with some of the most critically acclaimed entries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, announced the formation of TiMi Montreal in 2021 under the umbrella of Tencent’s TiMi Studio Group. The studio was positioned as a powerhouse in the making, with Ismail assembling what he described as a “dream team” of industry veterans from across the globe. The mission was clear and ambitious: to create an original AAA open-world game for consoles and PC that would push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and immersive gameplay.

From the outset, expectations were sky-high. Ismail’s track record spoke for itself—he had been instrumental in revitalizing the Assassin’s Creed series, introducing RPG elements, deeper narratives, and expansive worlds that captivated millions of players worldwide. When news broke that he was leading a new studio with Tencent’s backing, the gaming community buzzed with anticipation. What kind of revolutionary experience would this team deliver? Would it rival the likes of The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, or even Ismail’s own Assassin’s Creed titles?

The Silent Downfall

For over two years, TiMi Montreal operated in relative secrecy, with only occasional glimpses into its development process shared through recruitment posts and industry whispers. The studio’s LinkedIn page showcased a growing roster of talent, with developers from Ubisoft, EA, and other major publishers joining Ismail’s ranks. Everything appeared to be moving forward smoothly—until it wasn’t.

Rumors of the studio’s impending closure began circulating weeks before any official announcement. Industry insiders reported whispers of internal struggles, shifting priorities within Tencent, and concerns about the project’s direction. However, these remained unconfirmed until TiMi Montreal’s developers themselves began sharing the heartbreaking news online.

Heartbreak from Within

One of the most poignant messages came from Alvaro Fernandez Luzuriaga, a senior gameplay programmer at the studio. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Luzuriaga expressed his profound disappointment and sorrow over the studio’s fate. “I am genuinely heartbroken that the public will never get to experience what this team was capable of producing,” he wrote. His words resonated deeply with many in the industry, painting a picture of a passionate, talented team whose work would remain forever unseen.

The deletion of Luzuriaga’s post speaks volumes about the sensitivity surrounding the closure. It’s not uncommon for developers to face pressure from parent companies to remain silent about internal matters, especially when the news is as disappointing as a complete studio shutdown. However, the brief window in which his message was public was enough to confirm what many had feared: TiMi Montreal was no more.

Tencent’s Strategic Shift?

The closure of TiMi Montreal raises important questions about Tencent’s broader strategy in the gaming sector. As one of the world’s largest gaming conglomerates, Tencent has investments in nearly every major publisher and developer, from Riot Games and Epic to Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard. However, its approach has often been characterized by a willingness to cut losses quickly when projects don’t align with its evolving priorities.

TiMi Studio Group, the division under which Montreal operated, has primarily focused on mobile gaming successes like Call of Duty: Mobile and Honor of Kings. These titles have been cash cows for Tencent, generating billions in revenue annually. In contrast, AAA console and PC development represents a significantly higher risk and longer development cycle, with no guaranteed return on investment. It’s possible that TiMi Montreal’s project simply didn’t fit into Tencent’s current strategic vision, especially given the volatile nature of the AAA market.

What Could Have Been

While details about TiMi Montreal’s unannounced game remain scarce, the mere fact that Ashraf Ismail was at the helm was enough to generate immense curiosity. Given his history of crafting rich, historically-inspired worlds filled with intricate systems and compelling narratives, expectations were that his new project would be nothing short of groundbreaking.

Industry analysts speculate that the game may have been an original IP, possibly exploring new settings or gameplay mechanics that Ismail had long wanted to experiment with. Some suggest it could have been a fresh take on the open-world genre, perhaps incorporating elements from his previous work while pushing into uncharted territory. Others believe it might have been a more narrative-driven experience, focusing on character development and player choice in ways that even his Assassin’s Creed titles hadn’t fully explored.

Unfortunately, we may never know. The shutdown means that all the hard work, creativity, and passion poured into the project by Ismail and his team will remain locked away, unseen by the public. For the developers involved, this represents not just a professional setback but a deeply personal loss—years of their lives dedicated to a vision that will never materialize.

Industry Implications

The closure of TiMi Montreal is more than just the end of one studio; it’s a reflection of the broader challenges facing the AAA gaming industry today. Development costs continue to soar, with modern open-world games requiring budgets that can exceed $100 million. The pressure to deliver hit after hit is immense, and even established names like Ismail are not immune to the risks involved.

Moreover, the increasing consolidation of the industry under massive conglomerates like Tencent means that creative visions can be easily sidelined in favor of more profitable ventures. For indie developers and smaller studios, this serves as a sobering reminder of the precarious nature of game development, even when backed by one of the world’s most powerful companies.

A Community in Mourning

The gaming community has responded to the news with a mix of shock, disappointment, and sympathy. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support for the affected developers, with many expressing hope that they’ll quickly find new opportunities to continue their craft. Hashtags like #TiMiMontreal and #AshrafIsmail have trended on Twitter, with fans sharing their favorite memories of his past work and lamenting the loss of what could have been.

Some have also called for greater transparency from companies like Tencent regarding their decision-making processes. While business decisions are often complex and multifaceted, the sudden nature of TiMi Montreal’s closure has left many feeling that the developers deserved better—better communication, better support, and a better chance to see their project through to completion.

Looking Ahead

As for Ashraf Ismail, his next steps remain unclear. After leaving Ubisoft in 2020 amid controversy (which he has since addressed and moved past), he threw himself into building TiMi Montreal with characteristic passion and determination. Now, with that chapter closed, the industry will be watching closely to see where his talents are directed next.

For the developers who lost their jobs, the coming weeks and months will be crucial. The gaming industry, while competitive, is also known for its tight-knit community and willingness to support those in need. Many are hopeful that the talent from TiMi Montreal will be quickly scooped up by other studios eager to harness their expertise.

Conclusion

The shutdown of TiMi Montreal is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where even the most promising projects can be cut short by forces beyond the control of the creative teams involved. It’s a loss not just for Ashraf Ismail and his team, but for the entire gaming community, which will never get to experience the fruits of their labor.

As we reflect on this development, it’s worth remembering the passion and dedication that goes into every game, whether it sees the light of day or not. The developers at TiMi Montreal believed in their vision, poured their hearts into their work, and deserved the chance to share it with the world. While that chance has been taken away, their efforts stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity that drives the gaming industry forward.

Here’s hoping that the talented individuals affected by this closure find new opportunities to shine, and that Ashraf Ismail’s next venture will once again captivate players around the globe. Until then, the ghost of TiMi Montreal’s unmade masterpiece will linger as a bittersweet reminder of what might have been.

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