Is There a Modern Day Assassin’s Creed? Unpacking the Meta-Narrative
The question of whether there’s a true “modern day” Assassin’s Creed is a complex one, and the answer is both yes and no. While there isn’t a single mainline game solely set in the present day, every Assassin’s Creed title since the very first has featured a modern-day narrative that acts as a framing device for the historical adventures. This meta-narrative typically follows the exploits of Assassins or individuals connected to the Assassin Order in the 21st century, often utilizing technologies like the Animus to explore the genetic memories of their ancestors. However, the level of focus and integration of the modern-day story has varied significantly across different installments, leading to the ongoing debate and desire for a more dedicated modern experience.
The Evolution of the Modern Day Storyline
The modern-day story arc was initially a central pillar of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, most notably with the character of Desmond Miles. He served as the bridge between the historical settings and the present, driving the overarching plot about the ancient conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. As the series progressed, the modern-day elements saw a decline in prominence for various reasons, including criticisms of its pacing, direction, and the departure of key creative figures. Subsequent protagonists like Layla Hassan and the anonymous “Initiate” have attempted to revive the modern-day narrative, but the impact hasn’t always resonated with fans who long for the intensity and intrigue of Desmond’s story.
Ubisoft has recognized this divided opinion within the fanbase. Marc-Alexis Coté, the head of Assassin’s Creed at Ubisoft, has stated that balancing the meta-story with the historical adventures has been a constant challenge. While some players crave more modern-day content, others primarily engage with the historical settings and view the modern-day segments as a distraction. The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Infinity aims to address this by creating a platform or hub that could potentially allow for more tailored experiences, potentially including a stronger focus on modern-day storylines.
Why a Dedicated Modern Day Game Remains Elusive
Despite the demand, a fully-fledged modern-day Assassin’s Creed game remains a concept rather than a reality. Several factors likely contribute to this:
- Gameplay Challenges: Translating the core Assassin’s Creed gameplay mechanics – parkour, stealth, and combat – to a modern setting presents significant design challenges. The historical settings often provide a natural framework for these mechanics, while a contemporary setting could feel less organic.
- Balancing Historical and Modern Appeal: Ubisoft has seemingly struggled to strike a balance between the appeal of the historical settings and the modern-day narrative. Focusing too heavily on one could alienate a significant portion of the player base.
- Narrative Complexity: The Assassin’s Creed lore has become incredibly dense and convoluted over the years. Crafting a compelling modern-day narrative that respects the established canon while also introducing new elements is a daunting task.
- Financial Risk: Investing in a major title that deviates significantly from the established formula is a risky proposition for Ubisoft. They need to be confident that a modern-day Assassin’s Creed game would resonate with a broad audience.
While a standalone modern-day Assassin’s Creed seems unlikely for now, Assassin’s Creed Infinity might offer the best opportunity to meaningfully expand the present-day storyline. The platform’s ambition for a cohesive and evolving narrative could provide the flexibility required to properly satisfy fan demand for a proper modern Assassin’s Creed experience. The Games Learning Society is a great place to learn about the intersections of gaming and education – check out their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Assassin’s Creed: Modern Day FAQs
1. What is the modern day in Assassin’s Creed?
The “modern day” in Assassin’s Creed refers to the 21st-century setting that frames the historical narratives. It’s the time period in which characters use the Animus technology to explore the genetic memories of their ancestors. This is where the overarching plot about the Assassin-Templar conflict continues.
2. Is the modern day story important to the overall Assassin’s Creed plot?
Yes, the modern-day story is crucial for understanding the overarching Assassin’s Creed plot. It provides context for why the historical events are being explored and often introduces elements that impact the present-day conflict between the Assassins and Templars.
3. Who is Desmond Miles?
Desmond Miles is a central character in the early Assassin’s Creed games. He’s a descendant of several important Assassins and is forced to relive their memories through the Animus to uncover secrets and prevent a global catastrophe.
4. What is the Animus?
The Animus is a fictional device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors by accessing their genetic code. It’s the primary mechanism for exploring the historical settings in the Assassin’s Creed games.
5. Who is Layla Hassan?
Layla Hassan is a modern-day Assassin who appears in Assassin’s Creed: Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. She’s a former Abstergo employee who develops her own version of the Animus and becomes a key figure in the modern-day conflict.
6. Which Assassin’s Creed games have the most significant modern-day storylines?
The games with the most significant modern-day storylines are generally considered to be Assassin’s Creed I, II, Brotherhood, Revelations, III, and Valhalla. These games dedicate considerable time to the modern-day setting and feature important plot developments.
7. What is Abstergo Industries?
Abstergo Industries is the modern-day front for the Templar Order. They are a powerful corporation seeking to control the world through technology and ancient artifacts. They use the Animus for their own purposes, often in opposition to the Assassins.
8. Does Assassin’s Creed Valhalla have a modern-day story?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has a significant modern-day story that advances the overall plot. It features Layla Hassan and explores the mysteries surrounding the Isu, a precursor civilization.
9. What are the Isu?
The Isu are an ancient and highly advanced civilization that predates humanity in the Assassin’s Creed universe. They created the Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts that are central to the conflict between the Assassins and Templars.
10. Will Assassin’s Creed Infinity have a dedicated modern-day component?
While the specifics are still unclear, Assassin’s Creed Infinity is intended to be a platform that evolves over time. This could potentially allow for more extensive modern-day content, perhaps even separate storylines or experiences.
11. Why do some fans dislike the modern-day segments?
Some fans dislike the modern-day segments for various reasons, including their pacing, perceived disconnect from the historical settings, and the complexity of the overarching plot. Some feel it detracts from the immersion of playing as an Assassin in a historic time period.
12. Are there any modern-day Assassin characters besides Desmond and Layla?
Yes, there are other modern-day Assassin characters, although they may not be as prominent. These include the Initiate (a player-created character in some games), Abstergo programmers who defected to the Assassin Order, and various support characters who aid Desmond and Layla.
13. Could a modern-day Assassin’s Creed game work?
A modern-day Assassin’s Creed game could work if executed well. It would require a compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics that translate to a modern setting, and a careful balance between honoring the established lore and introducing new elements.
14. What challenges would a modern-day Assassin’s Creed game face?
A modern-day Assassin’s Creed game would face challenges such as adapting the gameplay mechanics to a modern setting, maintaining a sense of historical connection, and satisfying both fans of the historical and modern storylines.
15. What is the future of the modern-day story in Assassin’s Creed?
The future of the modern-day story in Assassin’s Creed is uncertain but promising. Assassin’s Creed Infinity offers the potential for a more flexible and evolving narrative that could allow for more dedicated modern-day content. It remains to be seen how Ubisoft will utilize this opportunity to satisfy fan demand for a compelling modern-day experience. The Games Learning Society explores how game design can enhance learning – an angle potentially relevant to the development of engaging and educational Assassin’s Creed narratives.
By providing a frame in which the historical narratives can be presented, the modern day story gives the Assassin’s Creed franchise its meaning. Whether it will continue on in the future is uncertain, but many fans hope that it does.