Tencent has officially closed TiMi Montréal, a game development studio that had not released any titles during its five-year existence. The studio was led by Ashraf Ismail, previously the creative director of notable titles in the Assassin's Creed franchise, including Black Flag, Origins, and Valhalla. Despite ambitious plans for creating AAA open-world games, TiMi Montréal never launched any projects. The shutdown is affecting approximately 70 employees, who expressed their sentiments about the team's camaraderie and talent. Currently, TiMi is only recruiting roles based in China, and there are no indications of future projects from the studio.

What impact does the closure of TiMi Montréal have on upcoming games in development?

The closure of TiMi Montréal likely halts any planned AAA projects, impacting not just the employees but also the expectations of fans anticipating new titles. The shutdown reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry where studios are facing challenges to deliver completed or successful games.

Timi Studio Group, the parent of TiMi Montréal, has a strong portfolio with successful mobile games like Call of Duty: Mobile. However, the closure highlights concerns about the management challenges within larger gaming conglomerates. Ashraf Ismail’s tumultuous exit from Ubisoft and his involvement with TiMi adds an extra layer of complexity, as he transitions to life after high-profile roles in major franchises.