PARIS: The Rapid Rise of "Assassin’s Creed"
History of Violence
From the bazaars of the Holy Land in the era of the Crusades to the snowy Nordic coasts of the Viking period, the "Assassin’s Creed" series has served up a wild ride through time and space. The first game, set during the Crusades, was inspired by Slovenian writer Vladimir Bartol’s 1938 novel "Alamut". For the latest edition from its publisher Ubisoft, the 14th instalment visits a period fans have long requested: 16th-century feudal Japan.
Immediate Jackpot
The series was a hit from the start, with the first game selling more than eight million copies worldwide between its 2007 release and 2009, when the second episode was launched. And the longer it has gone on, the more popular it has become. France-based Ubisoft said the 2020 release "Valhalla" was the most successful so far in the series, generating revenue of more than one billion euros ($1.1 billion at today’s rates) in a first for the publisher.
Fast and Loose?
The games’ sometimes free-wheeling takes on history have rarely been universally welcomed. "Shadows" has stoked controversy with playable character Yasuke, a burly black samurai in the service of warlord Oda Nobunaga. Historians agree that a real black man of that name lived in Japan during the period, but his samurai status is hotly contested including on social media. The game’s developers have defended their "creative freedom" to imagine the character.
Starry Cast, One-Star Reviews
The "Assassin’s Creed" saga followed the familiar path of successful video games into the cinema in 2016 with the release of a movie of the same name. While the cast was stellar – with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard leading the line-up – the reviews were less so, and rumours of a big-screen sequel have remained just that. Ubisoft was undaunted though, and closed a deal with Netflix in 2021 to develop several series based on the franchise.
Olympic Spotlight
A masked hero figure somersaulting across the rooftops of the French capital bearing the Olympic torch was a common thread linking together vignettes in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony in summer 2024. The ceremonies’ artistic director Thomas Jolly said this month that the character was directly inspired by "Unity". "I love video games and I love Assassin’s Creed," he said during a podcast recorded at Ubisoft’s headquarters. Jolly said Arno, the protagonist of "Unity", could stand alongside historical French pop culture favourites like "gentleman thief" Arsene Lupin.
Conclusion
With over 230 million players worldwide and a star-studded spin-off movie and Grammy Award under its belt, "Assassin’s Creed" has become a video game juggernaut since its 2007 launch. As fans await the release of the latest edition, "Assassin’s Creed Shadows", this article takes stock of the game’s unique journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many players worldwide has "Assassin’s Creed" claimed?
A: Over 230 million players worldwide.
Q: What is the latest edition of the "Assassin’s Creed" series?
A: "Assassin’s Creed Shadows" is the latest edition, set in 16th-century feudal Japan.
Q: What is the most successful edition of the series so far?
A: The 2020 release "Valhalla" is the most successful so far, generating revenue of more than one billion euros ($1.1 billion at today’s rates).
Q: What is the controversy surrounding the latest edition, "Shadows"?
A: The game’s portrayal of a black samurai, Yasuke, has been met with controversy, with historians disputing his samurai status.