Unmasking the Modern-Day Protagonist of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

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The modern-day character in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is you, the player! Instead of controlling a specific named character like Desmond Miles, you inhabit the role of an unnamed Abstergo Entertainment research analyst, often referred to by the nickname “Noob” within the game’s narrative. This first-person perspective puts you directly into the Abstergo offices, blurring the lines between player and protagonist in a unique way. Your mission, ostensibly, is to sift through the genetic memories of Edward Kenway, seeking material for a new Abstergo Entertainment product. However, as you delve deeper into Kenway’s life, you become entangled in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars.

The Unique Perspective of “You”

A Departure from Tradition

Black Flag’s approach to the modern-day narrative was a significant departure from previous Assassin’s Creed games. Prior to Black Flag, the modern storyline heavily revolved around Desmond Miles and his role in preventing a global catastrophe. However, following Desmond’s sacrifice at the end of Assassin’s Creed III, Ubisoft opted for a more player-centric approach. This allowed for greater player immersion and a sense of agency within the narrative, as “you” directly influence the course of events.

Interacting with the World

As the research analyst, you are free to explore the Abstergo Entertainment offices, eavesdrop on conversations, hack computers, and uncover secrets related to both the Assassins and Templars. These interactions provide valuable context for the historical segments of the game, adding layers of intrigue to the overarching storyline. Furthermore, your actions in the modern-day sequences have direct consequences on the game’s narrative, influencing the ending and the overall understanding of the Assassin’s Creed universe.

The Blurred Lines of Reality

One of the most compelling aspects of playing as “you” is the meta-narrative it creates. Abstergo Entertainment is portrayed as a game development company owned by Abstergo Industries, a front for the modern-day Templars. This blurring of the lines between the game world and the real world challenges players to question their own role within the Assassin’s Creed universe and to consider the ethical implications of historical research and corporate espionage. This meta-narrative aligns with the exploration of learning via games at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).

The FAQs of the Modern Day in Black Flag

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the modern-day storyline and characters in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag:

1. Why is Desmond Miles not the modern-day protagonist in Black Flag? Desmond Miles died at the end of Assassin’s Creed III, sacrificing himself to save the world. Ubisoft decided to move in a new direction with the modern-day storyline following his death.

2. What is the significance of the research analyst being unnamed? The lack of a name emphasizes that the player is meant to embody the character. It enhances immersion and allows players to project themselves into the role more effectively.

3. What is Abstergo Entertainment’s true purpose? Abstergo Entertainment is a front company for the Templars, using the guise of video game development to search for Pieces of Eden and further their agenda of control.

4. Can you die in the modern-day segments of Black Flag? No, the modern-day segments are primarily focused on exploration and puzzle-solving. There are no combat sequences in which you can die.

5. Are there other modern-day characters besides the player in Black Flag? Yes, you interact with various Abstergo employees, including Melanie Lemay, Olivier Garneau, and John Standish (the IT guy), each with their own agendas and secrets.

6. What is the purpose of hacking computers in the Abstergo offices? Hacking computers allows you to uncover valuable information about Abstergo’s plans, the Templar Order, and the broader Assassin’s Creed lore.

7. How does the modern-day storyline connect to the historical narrative of Edward Kenway? The modern-day storyline provides context and perspective on the historical events, revealing how the Templars are trying to manipulate history for their own gain.

8. What are the consequences of the research analyst’s actions in the modern-day storyline? Your actions influence the ending of the game and determine the fate of certain characters, highlighting the importance of your choices.

9. Is there a connection between the research analyst and Desmond Miles? While the research analyst is not directly related to Desmond Miles, their actions continue the fight against the Templars that Desmond began.

10. What is the significance of the Isu artifacts in the modern-day storyline? The Isu artifacts, also known as Pieces of Eden, are powerful devices from a pre-human civilization that both the Assassins and Templars seek to control.

11. Does the modern-day storyline in Black Flag advance the overall Assassin’s Creed narrative? Yes, it sets the stage for future games by introducing new characters and conflicts, and expanding upon the Assassin’s Creed mythology.

12. Why did Ubisoft choose to remove Desmond Miles from the modern-day storyline? Ubisoft wanted to explore new avenues for the modern-day narrative and give players a greater sense of agency in shaping the story.

13. Are there any clues about the modern-day protagonist’s identity? The game intentionally leaves the protagonist’s identity ambiguous, allowing players to project themselves onto the character.

14. What impact did Black Flag’s modern-day segment have on future Assassin’s Creed games? It paved the way for future installments to experiment with different approaches to the modern-day narrative, often featuring player-created characters.

15. Is the modern-day storyline necessary to enjoy Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag? While the historical narrative is the main draw, the modern-day storyline adds depth and context to the overall experience, enriching the player’s understanding of the Assassin’s Creed universe.

The Legacy of the Research Analyst

The nameless Abstergo Entertainment research analyst in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remains a unique and memorable protagonist in the franchise. By placing the player directly into the modern-day narrative, Black Flag blurred the lines between reality and fiction, creating a compelling and immersive experience. This approach allowed players to feel a sense of agency and investment in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars, leaving a lasting impact on the Assassin’s Creed universe. The success of this approach highlights the potential for gaming to be a powerful medium for exploring complex narratives and challenging players to question their own roles within the story.