Will There Ever Be an Assassin’s Creed in India? A Deep Dive

The question on every Assassin’s Creed fan’s mind, particularly those of Indian descent, is: Will there ever be a full-fledged Assassin’s Creed game set in India? The answer, while not a definitive “yes,” leans heavily towards a likely possibility. Ubisoft has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to explore diverse historical settings and cultures, and India, with its rich history, sprawling empires, and vibrant mythology, presents a virtually untapped goldmine for compelling Assassin’s Creed narratives. While India has been touched upon in smaller formats, a mainline entry is a highly anticipated and potentially groundbreaking venture for the franchise.

Why India is Ripe for an Assassin’s Creed Game

India’s historical tapestry is interwoven with intrigue, warfare, philosophical debates, and powerful empires. Imagine scaling the majestic forts of Rajasthan, navigating the bustling marketplaces of the Mughal Empire, or uncovering ancient secrets hidden within the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization. The possibilities are endless.

• Rich Historical Periods: From the Mauryan Empire to the British Raj, India offers numerous fascinating eras suitable for an Assassin’s Creed storyline. Each period presents unique conflicts, technologies, and cultural nuances that can be seamlessly integrated into the Assassin-Templar conflict.

• Compelling Characters: India’s history is filled with legendary figures like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka the Great, Rani Lakshmibai, and Tipu Sultan – each a potential protagonist or key historical figure within the game. Imagine playing as an Assassin during the reign of Ashoka, grappling with his moral transformation and the impact of Buddhism on his empire.

• Unique Environments: India’s diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the tropical backwaters of Kerala, offer stunning visual opportunities. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi could be meticulously recreated, allowing players to explore iconic landmarks and hidden alleyways.

• Philosophical Depth: Indian philosophy, with its emphasis on dharma, karma, and moksha, could add a profound layer to the Assassin-Templar ideological struggle. Imagine an Assassin grappling with the concept of non-violence while fighting for freedom against oppression.

Hurdles and Considerations

Despite the immense potential, there are challenges that Ubisoft would need to address when developing an Assassin’s Creed game set in India.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Depicting Indian history and culture accurately and respectfully is crucial. Ubisoft would need to consult with historians, cultural experts, and local communities to avoid cultural appropriation or misrepresentation.

• Avoiding Stereotypes: Overcoming pre-conceived notions and stereotypes about India is essential. The game should portray the complexity and diversity of Indian society, avoiding simplistic or romanticized portrayals.

• Balancing Historical Accuracy with Entertainment: Striking a balance between historical accuracy and engaging gameplay is always a challenge. Ubisoft would need to carefully research historical events and figures while creating a compelling and entertaining narrative.

Evidence of India’s Influence in Assassin’s Creed

While a full game hasn’t materialized, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has included several Indian references and elements, hinting at the developers’ awareness of the country’s potential:

• Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India: This 2.5D side-scroller follows Arbaaz Mir, an Assassin during the Sikh Empire in 1841. While not a mainline entry, it demonstrates Ubisoft’s willingness to explore Indian settings.

• Indian Artifacts and Mentions: Several Assassin’s Creed games feature Indian artifacts, historical figures, or mentions of Indian history, indicating that India is part of the Assassin’s Creed universe.

• Community Demand: The demand for an Assassin’s Creed game set in India is consistently high among fans, which Ubisoft is likely aware of. This could influence their future development plans.

The Future of Assassin’s Creed: Infinity

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Infinity, a live service platform that will connect multiple Assassin’s Creed games, could be a potential avenue for exploring different historical periods and locations, including India. Infinity could allow players to experience shorter, more focused Assassin’s Creed stories set in various regions, opening up possibilities for episodic content set in India.

Conclusion

An Assassin’s Creed game set in India is not only a possibility but a highly desirable prospect for many fans. The country’s rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes offer a wealth of narrative and gameplay opportunities. While there are challenges to overcome, Ubisoft has the resources and expertise to create a truly memorable and impactful Assassin’s Creed experience set in the heart of India. The Games Learning Society studies how games impact learning and culture, and the inclusion of authentic historical details would greatly enhance the educational value of the franchise. Be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the possibility of an Assassin’s Creed game set in India:

1. Has Ubisoft officially announced an Assassin’s Creed game in India? No, Ubisoft has not officially announced a full-fledged Assassin’s Creed game set in India. However, they have acknowledged the demand and expressed interest in exploring different historical settings.

2. What time periods in Indian history would be suitable for an Assassin’s Creed game? Several periods are suitable, including the Mauryan Empire, the Mughal Empire, the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Maratha Empire, and the British Raj.

3. Which historical figures could be featured in an Assassin’s Creed game set in India? Potential figures include Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka the Great, Rani Lakshmibai, Tipu Sultan, Shivaji Maharaj, and various Mughal emperors.

4. What are some potential gameplay mechanics that could be unique to an Assassin’s Creed game in India? Possible mechanics include the use of Indian martial arts like Kalaripayattu, weapon customization based on historical Indian weaponry, and the incorporation of elements from Indian mythology.

5. What are the challenges of developing an Assassin’s Creed game set in India? Challenges include cultural sensitivity, avoiding stereotypes, balancing historical accuracy with entertainment, and accurately representing the diversity of Indian society.

6. Is Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India considered a mainline entry in the series? No, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India is a 2.5D side-scroller and is not considered a mainline entry in the series.

7. How has India been represented in previous Assassin’s Creed games? India has been referenced in various Assassin’s Creed games through artifacts, historical mentions, and the standalone Chronicles title.

8. Could Assassin’s Creed: Infinity include content set in India? Yes, Assassin’s Creed: Infinity, as a live service platform, could potentially include shorter, episodic content set in India.

9. What role could Indian mythology play in an Assassin’s Creed game? Indian mythology could be incorporated into the game’s lore, with mythical creatures or deities playing a role in the Assassin-Templar conflict.

10. How important is cultural representation in video games? Cultural representation is crucial for promoting diversity, understanding, and respect for different cultures. Accurate and respectful portrayal of cultures in video games can help break down stereotypes and foster empathy.

11. What steps should Ubisoft take to ensure cultural sensitivity when developing an Assassin’s Creed game in India? Ubisoft should consult with historians, cultural experts, and local communities to ensure accurate and respectful portrayal of Indian history and culture.

12. What are some iconic locations in India that could be featured in an Assassin’s Creed game? Iconic locations include the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, the Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal, the Meenakshi Temple, and the ghats of Varanasi.

13. How can Ubisoft balance historical accuracy with engaging gameplay in an Assassin’s Creed game set in India? Ubisoft can research historical events and figures while creating a compelling narrative that incorporates elements of fantasy and adventure.

14. Would an Assassin’s Creed game set in India appeal to a global audience? Yes, an Assassin’s Creed game set in India has the potential to appeal to a global audience due to the country’s rich history, diverse cultures, and unique landscapes.

15. What is the likelihood of an Assassin’s Creed game being set in India in the future? Given the demand, the potential for compelling narratives, and Ubisoft’s willingness to explore diverse historical settings, the likelihood of an Assassin’s Creed game being set in India is relatively high. It is just a matter of when, not if.