The Spectacular Journey of Assassin's Creed: From Origins to the Future of the Series
26 Jun 2023
Assassin's Creed is a popular action-adventure gaming series that first launched back in 2007. Developed by Ubisoft, the series has come a long way since its humble beginnings, reinventing itself periodically to evolve with the rapidly changing gaming industry. Assassin's Creed combines insightful historical storylines with thrilling gameplay, capturing the attention of millions of fans around the world. Its impact on the gaming sphere cannot be underestimated – it has inspired developers and players. Through this article, we will explore the magnificent transformation of this iconic franchise and consider its possible future directions.
The Genesis of Assassin's Creed
The first installment of the series, titled "Assassin's Creed," introduced players to the long-standing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. Set in beautifully rendered historical settings; players would explore the world of the game by stepping into the shoes of an Assassin, a highly skilled individual tasked with preserving freedom and justice. The game gained widespread acclaim for its innovative open-world gameplay, attention to detail, and compelling narrative, quickly turning the game into a massive success.
As the franchise progressed, the series expanded to include various new settings and timelines, such as the Renaissance era in Italy, the colonial period in the Americas, and the French and Industrial Revolutions. Each game brought something new to the table, whether it was in the parkour-style traversal of the cities, the refined combat system, or the integration of more complex side activities. Assassin's Creed quickly became synonymous with historical exploration, making competing with its brand positioning difficult for other franchises.
Contribution to the Gaming Industry and Popular Culture
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed has made several significant contributions to the gaming industry over the years. It popularized the open-world genre, paving the way for other franchises such as The Witcher, Skyrim, and Horizon Zero Dawn, to name a few. Its unique blend of stealth, action, and parkour, along with its semi-historical storytelling, became a blueprint for various other titles in the industry.
Moreover, the series introduced a new movement system that allowed players to navigate vast urban landscapes easily and fluidly, which has influenced several other gaming franchises. The Assassin's Creed series was also notable for emphasizing diversity within video games, often featuring protagonists of various ethnicities and genders, breaking away from the traditional mold of an action-adventure hero.
Assassin's Creed has even transcended the realm of video games, leaving its mark on popular culture. The franchise has spawned numerous novels, comic books, and even a full-feature film starring Hollywood heavyweight Michael Fassbender. The series has also contributed to the popularization of gaming culture in general, as it became a household name among millions of fans and was frequently featured in media outlets.
Perspectives on the Future Development of the Assassin's Creed Series
Recently, the Assassin's Creed series has shifted its gameplay mechanics, blending elements of RPGs with its famed open-world narrative-driven action gameplay. Starting with Assassin's Creed Origins and continuing with Odyssey and Valhalla, the series entered an era of expansive open-world exploration, deep character customization, and meaningful player choices that influence the story.
Speculations abound as to the future directions of the series, but some possibilities stand out. For one, Assassin's Creed could continue its exploration of ancient civilizations, such as the Roman Empire or ancient China. Second, the developers may decide to refine further the RPG elements introduced in Origins, focusing on character development and player agency. Another exciting possibility would be to incorporate more multiplayer and cooperative elements, allowing players to experience the fascinating world of Assassin's Creed with friends.
There is even the prospect of branching out into the realm of first-person shooters. While this would represent a significant departure from the traditional formula of the franchise, it could provide a fresh and unique perspective on the Assassin's Creed universe. The developers may also choose to explore virtual reality and other emergent technologies, adding a new level of immersion into the historical worlds that the series is renowned for.
Bottom Line
Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has grown from a single revolutionary game into a veritable phenomenon. The franchise has transformed the gaming industry and made significant contributions to popular culture and society. As we look forward to the future, there is little doubt that Assassin's Creed will continue to innovate and surprise its fans, carrying on the legacy of its breathtaking journey through history.