Unveiling the Colossus: What is Ubisoft’s Biggest Game Franchise?
Without a doubt, Assassin’s Creed reigns supreme as Ubisoft’s biggest game franchise. The data speaks for itself: As of 2023, the franchise has sold over 155 million units and boasts 155 million unique players. While other Ubisoft properties like Far Cry and Tom Clancy’s series have achieved significant success, Assassin’s Creed’s cultural impact, consistent releases, and diverse settings solidify its position at the top. It’s more than just a series of games; it’s a transmedia empire encompassing books, comics, and even a feature film, a testament to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
The Rise of the Assassins: A Historical Perspective
The original Assassin’s Creed, released in 2007, laid the groundwork for a unique blend of historical fiction, stealth gameplay, and parkour-inspired traversal. Set during the Third Crusade, it introduced players to the eternal conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, a battle for control of humanity’s destiny. While the initial installment had its flaws, its innovative mechanics and compelling narrative captured the imagination of gamers worldwide.
Subsequent entries expanded upon this formula, taking players to iconic historical periods like the Italian Renaissance (Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations), Colonial America (Assassin’s Creed III), the Golden Age of Piracy (Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag), and the French Revolution (Assassin’s Creed Unity). Each game offered a fresh perspective on the ongoing conflict, introducing new characters, settings, and gameplay mechanics.
Evolving Gameplay: From Stealth to RPG
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has undergone significant gameplay evolution over the years. While the core tenets of stealth and parkour remain, later entries have embraced RPG elements, transforming the series into a more action-oriented experience. Assassin’s Creed Origins, set in ancient Egypt, marked a turning point, introducing a revamped combat system, a deeper skill tree, and a vast open world teeming with quests and activities.
This trend continued with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, set in ancient Greece, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, set during the Viking Age. These games offer even greater customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle. They also feature branching storylines, meaningful choices, and a greater emphasis on exploration and discovery.
Beyond the Games: Transmedia Expansion
The success of Assassin’s Creed has extended beyond the realm of video games. Ubisoft has leveraged the franchise’s popularity to create a diverse range of transmedia products, including:
- Novels: Numerous novels have been published, expanding upon the lore and exploring different time periods and characters.
- Comics: Comic books and graphic novels have further enriched the Assassin’s Creed universe, offering new perspectives on the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.
- Film: A live-action Assassin’s Creed film, starring Michael Fassbender, was released in 2016. While it received mixed reviews, it demonstrated the franchise’s potential to attract a wider audience.
This transmedia approach has helped to solidify Assassin’s Creed’s position as a major entertainment franchise, reaching fans through multiple platforms and mediums. The franchise’s approach to engaging storytelling has been studied by many and you can learn more about the narrative impact of video games at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) website.
Future of the Creed: What Lies Ahead?
Ubisoft has ambitious plans for the future of Assassin’s Creed. The recently released Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes the series back to its stealth-focused roots, serving as a tribute to the original games. Looking further ahead, Assassin’s Creed Codename Red, set in feudal Japan, promises to be a major installment in the franchise, exploring a new setting and introducing new gameplay mechanics.
Ubisoft is also developing Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, a darker and more mysterious entry in the series. While details are scarce, it is rumored to feature witchcraft and supernatural elements. These projects demonstrate Ubisoft’s commitment to keeping the franchise fresh and exciting, ensuring its continued success for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Assassin’s Creed games are there in total?
There are over 20 Assassin’s Creed games, including main entries, spin-offs, and mobile titles. The number may vary depending on how you define a “game” within the franchise.
2. Which Assassin’s Creed game has sold the most copies?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is currently the best-selling game in the franchise, surpassing Assassin’s Creed III. Its popularity is partly attributed to its Viking setting and its expansion of the RPG elements introduced in Origins and Odyssey.
3. Is Assassin’s Creed historically accurate?
While Assassin’s Creed is set in real historical periods and features historical figures, it is ultimately a work of fiction. The games take liberties with historical events and introduce fictional elements, such as the Pieces of Eden, to create a compelling narrative.
4. What is the main conflict in Assassin’s Creed?
The main conflict in Assassin’s Creed is the eternal struggle between the Assassins and the Templars. The Assassins fight for free will and individual liberty, while the Templars seek to impose order and control upon humanity.
5. What are the Pieces of Eden?
The Pieces of Eden are powerful artifacts created by the Isu, a precursor civilization to humanity. They possess a variety of abilities, including mind control, manipulation of energy, and creation of illusions.
6. What is the Animus?
The Animus is a device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors. It is a key component of the Assassin’s Creed narrative, allowing players to experience historical events through the eyes of their Assassin ancestors.
7. Which Assassin’s Creed game is the best for beginners?
Assassin’s Creed Origins is often recommended as a good starting point for newcomers to the franchise. It offers a streamlined gameplay experience, a compelling story, and a vast open world to explore.
8. Are all Assassin’s Creed games open world?
Most main entries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise are open world, allowing players to freely explore vast environments and complete quests at their own pace. However, some spin-off titles may feature a more linear structure.
9. Will there be more Assassin’s Creed games set in Japan?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Codename Red is currently in development and is set in feudal Japan. This game is highly anticipated by fans who have long requested a Japanese setting.
10. Is Assassin’s Creed a single-player or multiplayer game?
Most Assassin’s Creed games are primarily single-player experiences, focusing on narrative-driven gameplay and open-world exploration. However, some entries have featured multiplayer modes, although these are no longer actively supported.
11. What is the modern-day storyline in Assassin’s Creed?
The Assassin’s Creed games feature a modern-day storyline that runs parallel to the historical narrative. In the modern-day, characters use the Animus to explore the memories of their ancestors and uncover secrets that could impact the present.
12. Does Ubisoft own the Assassin’s Creed IP?
Yes, Ubisoft owns the Assassin’s Creed intellectual property (IP). They develop, publish, and distribute the games and related media.
13. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the best story?
The “best” story is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, many fans praise the stories of Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood for their compelling characters, historical settings, and narrative depth.
14. How does Assassin’s Creed connect to other Ubisoft franchises?
While Assassin’s Creed is primarily a standalone franchise, there have been occasional easter eggs and references to other Ubisoft games within the series. However, there is no direct narrative connection between Assassin’s Creed and other Ubisoft franchises.
15. What makes Assassin’s Creed so popular?
Assassin’s Creed’s popularity stems from its unique blend of historical fiction, stealth gameplay, and parkour-inspired traversal. The games offer a compelling narrative, engaging characters, and stunning visuals. The franchise’s willingness to evolve and adapt to changing player preferences has also contributed to its enduring success.