Assassin’s Creed Infinity: A Journey Through Time
Assassin’s Creed Infinity isn’t set in one specific time period. Instead, it functions as a live-service hub that allows players to experience multiple historical periods and storylines through self-contained games and experiences. Think of it as a central platform connecting various Assassin’s Creed titles, each featuring distinct historical settings.
Understanding Infinity’s Structure
Infinity fundamentally alters the Assassin’s Creed model. Rather than releasing standalone, numbered sequels, Ubisoft is moving towards a platform approach. This means that the “game” itself becomes a persistent and evolving experience, with new historical periods, characters, and gameplay mechanics added over time. This approach opens up unprecedented possibilities for exploring a vast range of historical eras and narrative threads.
The core concept revolves around the Animus, the device used to relive ancestral memories. In Infinity, the Animus becomes even more central. Players will inhabit a modern-day character operating within a present-day context, using the Animus to access different “games” or historical simulations. These simulations are essentially self-contained Assassin’s Creed experiences with their own plots, characters, and gameplay loops.
Ubisoft has confirmed that Infinity will launch with at least two distinct historical settings: feudal Japan in “Assassin’s Creed Codename RED” and an unknown, potentially later historical setting in “Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe”. Expect future content to introduce even more eras, characters, and gameplay styles, all accessible through the central Infinity hub.
The Potential of the Infinity Model
The Infinity model presents a significant shift for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It offers several key advantages:
- Expanded Historical Scope: Ubisoft can explore a much wider range of historical periods without being constrained by the limitations of a single game. This allows them to delve into lesser-known eras and cultures, offering fresh and diverse experiences.
- Flexible Gameplay: Each historical simulation can feature tailored gameplay mechanics that suit the setting. For example, a game set during the Viking Age might emphasize naval combat and raiding, while a game set during the Renaissance might focus on social stealth and parkour.
- Persistent World and Story: While the historical simulations are self-contained, the modern-day storyline within Infinity can provide a persistent narrative thread that connects all the different eras. This allows Ubisoft to build a more cohesive and engaging overall narrative.
- Continuous Updates and Content: The live-service model allows Ubisoft to continuously update Infinity with new content, including new historical periods, characters, missions, and gameplay features. This keeps the game fresh and engaging for players over a longer period.
Animus as the Key to Different Eras
The Animus remains a central component, and its role expands in Assassin’s Creed Infinity. Now, it’s not just a memory-reliving tool but a portal to various standalone experiences set in different time periods.
The game’s modern-day storyline within Infinity could serve as a connector, tying together these diverse historical narratives. This creates a sense of continuity, allowing players to see how different events and characters across history are intertwined, enriching the franchise’s lore and offering a more cohesive gaming experience.
The implications for storytelling are significant. Ubisoft can explore diverse themes and narratives within the Assassin’s Creed universe, such as political intrigue, social justice, or personal growth, across different time periods and cultural contexts.
Infinity: More Than Just a Game
Assassin’s Creed Infinity represents a bold step forward for the franchise, transforming it into a dynamic and evolving platform for historical exploration and storytelling. By embracing a live-service model and expanding the role of the Animus, Ubisoft is creating a game that has the potential to deliver a truly unique and engaging experience for fans. This shift allows for continuous content updates, fresh historical periods, and tailored gameplay mechanics, keeping the franchise exciting and relevant for years to come.
With this innovative approach, Assassin’s Creed Infinity offers a vast, ever-expanding universe of historical adventures, inviting players to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and eras, and delve deeper into the rich lore of the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Assassin’s Creed Infinity
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Assassin’s Creed Infinity:
1. Is Assassin’s Creed Infinity a single, massive open-world game?
No, it is not. Think of it as a hub or platform connecting multiple, self-contained Assassin’s Creed games set in different historical periods. Each “game” will be a distinct experience, accessible through the Infinity platform.
2. What historical periods are confirmed for Assassin’s Creed Infinity?
Currently, feudal Japan (“Assassin’s Creed Codename RED”) and an unknown historical setting (“Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe”) are the only officially confirmed periods.
3. Will Assassin’s Creed Infinity have a modern-day storyline?
Yes, it’s expected to have a modern-day storyline that connects the different historical simulations experienced through the Animus.
4. Will I have to pay extra for each new historical period added to Assassin’s Creed Infinity?
Ubisoft hasn’t fully detailed the monetization model. It’s possible that new historical periods will be sold as expansions, offered through a subscription service, or some combination thereof.
5. Will Assassin’s Creed Infinity require an always-online connection?
This hasn’t been explicitly confirmed, but given its live-service nature, an always-online connection is highly probable, at least for accessing the core platform and its features.
6. What kind of gameplay changes can we expect in Assassin’s Creed Infinity?
The gameplay mechanics will likely vary depending on the historical setting. Each period will feature tailored mechanics that suit the era and its unique characteristics.
7. Will previous Assassin’s Creed games be integrated into Infinity?
It’s unlikely that previous standalone games will be directly integrated. Infinity is designed to house new, self-contained experiences, not to revamp existing titles.
8. How will character progression work in Assassin’s Creed Infinity?
Character progression is also likely to vary. Each historical simulation might have its own separate progression system, with perhaps some overarching progression elements tied to the modern-day storyline.
9. Will there be multiplayer elements in Assassin’s Creed Infinity?
The extent of multiplayer features is still unknown. It’s possible that some historical simulations will feature cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes.
10. When is Assassin’s Creed Infinity expected to be released?
While no firm release date is set, development is underway, and the game is not expected to be released before 2024, possibly later.
11. What platforms will Assassin’s Creed Infinity be available on?
Expect Assassin’s Creed Infinity to be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Availability on older generation consoles is unlikely.
12. Will Assassin’s Creed Infinity support cross-platform play?
Cross-platform play is a strong possibility, given the increasing prevalence of this feature in modern games, but Ubisoft has not yet confirmed it.
13. What are the benefits of the live-service model for Assassin’s Creed?
The live-service model allows for continuous updates, fresh content, and the ability to explore a wider range of historical periods and gameplay mechanics. It also allows Ubisoft to keep the game engaging for players over a longer period.
14. How does the Animus function differently in Assassin’s Creed Infinity?
The Animus becomes more of a portal, allowing players to seamlessly jump between different historical simulations. This enhances the immersion and provides a cohesive narrative framework for the diverse historical settings. To dive deeper into the possibilities of gaming and education, you can visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. What makes Assassin’s Creed Infinity different from past Assassin’s Creed games?
The fundamental difference is its structure. It’s not a single, standalone game but a platform connecting multiple experiences. This allows for greater flexibility, a wider range of historical periods, and a continuous stream of new content.