Ubisoft appoints former Amazon Games vice president to lead Tom Clancy studio

Ubisoft has appointed Christopher Hartmann, former vice president of Amazon Games, as general manager of Creative House 2—the division responsible for all Tom Clancy game franchises.

What is Creative House 2?

Creative House 2 is an internal division of Ubisoft responsible for three major tactical series: The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. These are among the most recognizable brands of the French publisher, but all three franchises have gone without new major entries for a long time or received mixed reception. Splinter Cell has not seen a mainline game since 2013—when Blacklist was released. Ghost Recon Breakpoint in 2019 faced criticism for excessive monetization. The Division 2, released the same year, attracted an audience but has since been in maintenance mode.

Who is Christopher Hartmann?

Hartmann is a well-known figure in the gaming industry. For over a decade, he led 2K Games—the gaming division of Take-Two Interactive, where BioShock Infinite, Civilization V and VI, and the NBA 2K and Borderlands series were released under his leadership. He then joined Amazon Games as vice president. At Amazon, he was involved in developing projects for the western market, including New World and the distribution of Lost Ark—though Amazon's gaming division history remains checkered.

What's the challenge for Ubisoft at this moment?

The company is experiencing a prolonged crisis. In 2024, the failed launch of Star Wars Outlaws disappointed investors and players. Ubisoft's stock lost significant value, and rumors emerged of a possible business sale—including to structures of Tencent, which already owns a large stake in the publisher. Against this backdrop, the arrival of an experienced external manager in a key division looks like management's attempt to reboot work on strategically important franchises and restore audience trust.

What does this mean?

Hartmann's appointment signals that Ubisoft views Tom Clancy brands as priority assets that need a fresh perspective at the level of production and strategy. Whether he will revive Splinter Cell or give new momentum to The Division remains to be seen in the company's upcoming announcements.