Is Watch Dogs: Legion Connected to Assassin’s Creed?
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The short answer is: Yes, Watch Dogs: Legion and Assassin’s Creed exist within the same shared universe, though the connection is subtle and primarily consists of Easter eggs and lore references rather than direct narrative ties. While you won’t find Altaïr parkouring across Lambeth Bridge, the games acknowledge each other’s existence through recurring companies, historical events, and coded messages. These connections, while not crucial to enjoying either franchise, offer a deeper layer of appreciation for fans invested in the extended Ubisoft universe. So, while they’re not fighting side-by-side, they definitely share a playground.
Exploring the Shared Universe
Ubisoft has a knack for creating intricate worlds, and the decision to link Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed, even tangentially, adds to the richness of both. This connection isn’t about crossovers or shared protagonists; it’s about a shared history and a shared technological landscape that allows for some intriguing storytelling potential.
Abstergo and Blume: Shadows in the Background
One of the most significant connections is through the recurring presence of powerful corporations. In Assassin’s Creed, Abstergo Industries is the modern-day front for the Templar Order, meticulously researching past events to further their agenda. In Watch Dogs, Blume Corporation is the creator of ctOS, the ubiquitous operating system controlling London’s infrastructure.
While these companies don’t directly interact in the games, their underlying philosophies and approaches to control share disturbing parallels. Abstergo uses historical information and manipulation to shape the present, while Blume leverages technology to monitor and control citizens. This shared theme of powerful entities seeking control is a key element linking the two universes.
The Assassin Brotherhood: Legends Echoing in the Future
References to the Assassin Brotherhood appear sporadically throughout the Watch Dogs series. In Watch Dogs: Legion, players can find emails, data logs, and even character biographies that allude to the existence of Assassins and their long-standing conflict with the Templars. These aren’t always explicit confirmations, but rather subtle nods that reward attentive players. For example, in Watch Dogs: Legion one of the recruits can be a descendant of an assassin. These are Easter eggs of the highest calibur!
These references are more than just fan service. They imply that the historical events depicted in Assassin’s Creed have occurred within the Watch Dogs timeline and that the Assassin-Templar conflict continues to play out in the shadows. The exact nature of their involvement in the modern world of Watch Dogs is left largely to speculation, but their presence is undeniable.
Pieces of Eden: Ancient Technology in a Modern World
Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts central to the Assassin’s Creed lore, are hinted at within the Watch Dogs universe. While they aren’t directly featured, there are implications that Blume or other shadowy organizations are aware of their existence and possibly even researching them. This adds a layer of mystery and suggests that the technological advancements in Watch Dogs might have roots in the ancient technology of the Pieces of Eden.
This connection opens up possibilities for future storylines and potential crossovers, allowing for the exploration of how ancient technologies could influence the modern world of hacking and cyber warfare. It also raises questions about the ethical implications of wielding such power and the potential consequences for humanity.
DedSec and the Modern Assassin
While not explicitly stated, DedSec, the hacker collective at the heart of the Watch Dogs series, shares some thematic similarities with the Assassin Brotherhood. Both groups fight against powerful, corrupt organizations and strive to protect individual freedom. While their methods differ – Assassins rely on stealth and combat, while DedSec uses hacking and technological warfare – their underlying motivations align.
This parallel suggests that DedSec could be seen as a modern-day analogue to the Assassins, adapting their fight for freedom to the digital age. They are both fighting for freedom in the face of overbearing oppressors in order to ensure free will in the world. This is something that could be further explored in future titles.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Connection
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Watch Dogs: Legion and Assassin’s Creed:
1. Will we ever see an Assassin’s Creed character in Watch Dogs?
While not impossible, it’s unlikely. The developers have focused on subtle connections and easter eggs, rather than direct crossovers. A cameo would be fun, but isn’t needed to enjoy the games.
2. Does the shared universe affect the gameplay of either series?
No, the shared universe is largely superficial and doesn’t impact the core gameplay mechanics of either Watch Dogs or Assassin’s Creed.
3. Are there any concrete examples of Assassin’s Creed references in Watch Dogs: Legion?
Yes, there are. Data logs referencing Abstergo and mentions of historical events from Assassin’s Creed can be found throughout the game.
4. Could Blume be a front for the Templars?
It’s a popular theory, but there’s no concrete evidence to support it. However, the similarities in their approaches to control make it a plausible idea.
5. Does this mean hacking exists in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
Not in the same way as in Watch Dogs. However, Abstergo uses advanced technology to access and manipulate historical memories, which could be considered a form of hacking.
6. Are there any plans for a full-fledged crossover game?
Ubisoft hasn’t announced any plans for a crossover game, but given the popularity of both franchises, it’s always a possibility in the future.
7. What are the benefits of having a shared universe?
It enriches the lore of both series, provides opportunities for fan speculation, and allows for potential future storytelling possibilities.
8. Does this mean other Ubisoft franchises like Splinter Cell are connected too?
It’s possible, but there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that at this time.
9. Is the shared universe a recent development?
The connections have been present since the first Watch Dogs game, but they’ve become more pronounced in recent installments.
10. Does the multiplayer aspect of Watch Dogs: Legion have any connections?
Not directly, but the themes of hacking, surveillance, and fighting against oppression resonate with both franchises.
11. Are there any books or comics that explore the shared universe in more detail?
While there aren’t any specific books or comics that explicitly connect the two franchises, some Assassin’s Creed novels delve into Abstergo’s activities and the Pieces of Eden, which indirectly relate to the Watch Dogs universe.
12. What other types of Easter Eggs are in Watch Dogs: Legion?
Aside from Assassin’s Creed references, Watch Dogs: Legion features easter eggs related to other games, movies, and pop culture phenomena.
13. How do the developers decide which references to include?
The developers likely include references that fit thematically with the game’s setting and narrative, while also appealing to fans of both franchises.
14. Is the Games Learning Society involved in the development of these narratives?
While the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) doesn’t directly develop game narratives, their research on game-based learning and the impact of games on society could inform the themes and narratives explored in games like Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed. They are a leading group dedicated to the research of learning through games.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore of both Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed?
The official Ubisoft websites for both franchises, as well as fan wikis and online forums, are great resources for learning more about the lore and history of each series.