Patrice Desilets Starts At THQ Montreal As Non-Compete EndsPatrice Desilets Starts At THQ Montreal As Non-Compete Ends

Game design veteran Patrice Desilets, known for the Prince of Persia relaunch as well as the Assassin's Creed series, has officially started work at THQ Montreal, the company announced today. THQ first announced its intention to hire Desilets for its new Montreal studio last October, but the actual hiring was held up by a one-year non-compete clause triggered when Desilets left Ubisoft last June. "The creative freedom that THQ gives its artists and developers -- and their willingness to make games that truly reflect an artistic vision -- really drew me to THQ," said Desilets in a statement. "I plan to build an incredibly talented team at THQ, and am very anxious to get started on creating a new project." At least three other former Ubisoft employees will join Desilets at THQ Montreal. In March, Ubisoft was awarded an injunction by the Quebec Superior Court to prevent THQ from hiring away any more of its talent. In a recent interview with Gamasutra, THQ President Danny Bilson said he was particularly proud of Desilets' hiring, joking that "he is unleashed on us."