History and Development of the Assassins Creed Franchise

History and Development of the Assassins Creed Franchise

The "Assassin's Creed" franchise is one of the most significant and successful video game series in the history of the industry. Developed by Ubisoft, it has captivated players with its blend of historical settings, intricate storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

1. The Birth of the Assassins (2007):

The "Assassin's Creed" franchise made its debut in November 2007 with the release of the original "Assassin's Creed" game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game was developed by Ubisoft Montreal and directed by Patrice Désilets. Set in the year 1191 during the Third Crusade, players were introduced to Desmond Miles, a modern-day bartender who is forced to relive the memories of his ancestor, Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, through a device known as the Animus. This premise allowed for the exploration of historical settings while maintaining a contemporary frame narrative.

2. The Birth of the Templars:

The central conflict of the franchise was established in the first game: the Assassins, a secret organization dedicated to preserving free will, are locked in an age-old struggle with the Templars, who seek control and order through the manipulation of historical events and artifacts.

3. Assassins Creed II (2009):

The success of the original game paved the way for the release of "Assassin's Creed II" in November 2009. Directed by Patrice Désilets and developed by a growing team at Ubisoft Montreal, the game introduced players to a new protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an Italian nobleman. The sequel took place in Renaissance Italy, offering a rich and immersive historical backdrop.

Gameplay Enhancements: "Assassin's Creed II" refined and expanded on the gameplay mechanics of the first game. It introduced parkour elements, more fluid combat, and a diverse set of tools and weapons, including the iconic hidden blade.
Complex Narrative: The narrative of Ezio Auditore's journey from a carefree youth to a skilled Assassin was praised for its depth and character development. The modern-day storyline involving Desmond Miles also progressed as he further explored his ancestry.
Cultural Exploration: The game allowed players to immerse themselves in Renaissance Florence, Venice, and other Italian cities, blending historical accuracy with a touch of artistic license.

4. Brotherhood and Revelations:

Ubisoft continued Ezio's story in two direct sequels:

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010): This game saw Ezio travel to Rome to combat the Templars and establish a brotherhood of Assassins. The introduction of the Assassin recruits added a strategic element to the gameplay.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011): The final chapter of Ezio's story, this game explores his quest to find the lost library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. It also delved deeper into the memories of Altaïr, providing a bridge between the original and Ezio's trilogy.

5. Desmond's Story Continues:

The modern-day storyline, centered around Desmond Miles and his Animus experiences, progressed throughout these games. As Desmond's skills as an Assassin developed, so did the overarching narrative. His connection to the First Civilization and the impending catastrophe known as the solar flare event became central to the franchise's lore.

6. Assassin's Creed III and the American Revolution (2012):

The third main installment in the franchise introduced a new protagonist, Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, who was of Native American and British heritage. Set during the American Revolution, "Assassin's Creed III" explored the conflict between the Assassins and Templars within this historical context.

Gameplay Innovation: The game introduced a new game engine and featured wilderness exploration, naval combat, and a revamped combat system. The Animus Database provided historical context, fostering an educational element within the game.
Cultural and Historical Significance: "Assassin's Creed III" showcased key moments of the American Revolution, from the Boston Tea Party to the Battle of Bunker Hill. The game's historical authenticity and representation of Native American culture received recognition.

7. Edward Kenway and the Golden Age of Piracy:

"Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" (2013) took players into the Golden Age of Piracy, with Edward Kenway, a charming and roguish character, as the protagonist. The game explored the high seas, offering a unique blend of naval exploration and swashbuckling combat.

Exploration and Naval Combat: The game's open-world structure and naval mechanics allowed players to sail across the Caribbean, engage in sea battles, and discover hidden treasures.
Character-Driven Story: Edward Kenway's character development and his entanglement in the ongoing Assassins vs. Templars conflict were central to the narrative.

8. Unity, Syndicate, and the Industrial Revolution:

The franchise then shifted its focus to the 19th century with "Assassin's Creed Unity" (2014), set during the French Revolution, and "Assassin's Creed Syndicate" (2015), which explored the Industrial Revolution in London.

Unity's Multiplayer and Historical Accuracy: "Unity" featured cooperative multiplayer and a visually stunning recreation of 18th-century Paris. It also explored themes of social inequality and political turmoil.
Syndicate's Twin Protagonists: "Syndicate" introduced twin Assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they sought to liberate London from Templar control. It embraced a more light-hearted tone compared to some of its predecessors.

9. The Modern-Day Narrative Continues:

The overarching modern-day narrative underwent further development, with Desmond's storyline coming to a conclusion. After Desmond's sacrifice to avert the solar flare catastrophe, the narrative continued to follow Layla Hassan, an Abstergo Industries employee who becomes involved in the struggle between Assassins and Templars.

10. Origins and Odyssey:

Ubisoft explored ancient settings with "Assassin's Creed Origins" (2017) and "Assassin's Creed Odyssey" (2018):

Origins: Set in ancient Egypt, the game introduced Bayek of Siwa, a Medjay who became one of the first Assassins. It featured a reimagined combat system and a focus on exploration.
Odyssey: The game transported players to ancient Greece, where they assumed the role of either Alexios or Kassandra. It expanded on role-playing elements, allowing players to make choices that influenced the story's outcome.

11. The Valhalla Saga:

"Assassin's Creed Valhalla" (2020) took players to the Viking Age, allowing them to experience the adventures of Eivor Varinsdottir, a Viking raider who becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Assassins and Templars. The game is built upon the RPG mechanics introduced in "Odyssey."

12. Legacy of the Assassins:

Throughout its history, the "Assassin's Creed" franchise has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry:

Exploration and Historical Realism: The games have allowed players to explore meticulously crafted historical settings, from Renaissance Italy to ancient Egypt, while providing educational value.
Character-Driven Storytelling: The franchise is known for its well-developed characters and complex narratives that explore themes of freedom, power, and the consequences of one's actions.
Gameplay Innovation: "Assassin's Creed" games have consistently introduced new gameplay elements, from parkour and stealth mechanics to naval exploration and RPG systems.
Cultural and Educational Impact: The franchise has sparked interest in history, culture, and architecture, leading to collaborations with historians and educational institutions.

13. The Future of the Brotherhood:

The next major installment, "Assassin's Creed Infinity," is expected to explore live-service elements, potentially connecting various historical settings into a shared world.

In conclusion, the "Assassin's Creed" franchise has undergone significant evolution and expansion since its inception. It has maintained its status as a pillar of the gaming industry, captivating players with its unique blend of history, narrative complexity, and innovative gameplay. As it continues to explore diverse time periods and historical settings, the future of the "Assassin's Creed" franchise remains an exciting journey for both fans and the gaming community at large.