Marc-Alexis Coté, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed boss, claims that the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows game will lay the foundation of a “narrative evolution” for the franchise that will attempt to revive its present-day storylines.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
He said, “When the Assassin’s Creed franchise was created, it introduced a bold and innovative narrative structure, a modern day story arc centred around Desmond that was intertwined with historical adventures. Desmond’s journey was at the heart of the modern day conflict driving the search for powerful Isu artefacts – Pieces of Eden – that could change the course of history. However, with his death at the end of Assassin’s Creed 3, we faced a creative crossroads.”
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
Coté elaborated, “The continued focus on characters hunting for Isu artefacts made the narrative more predictable and reduced the conflict between Templars and Assassins to a straightforward pursuit of control over – let’s be honest – magical relics. This shift pulled focus away from what had always been at the heart of the franchise: exploring our history.”
“As this approach became repetitive, both players and critics felt the modern day storyline had become a secondary concern, more of a side-quest, rather than an integral part of the overall experience,” he admitted. “Furthermore, the compounded complexity of 15 years of lore built in this parallel storyline created a cognitive load that made the franchise difficult to approach for newcomers.”
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
Coté and Ubisoft plan to change this beginning with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. He shared the company’s plan, “As we move forward, our goal is to put history back at the centre of the players’ experience. The modern day narrative will serve to enhance, rather than overshadow, the historical journey. By drawing meaningful contrast between past and present, we aim to restore the balance that was once the hallmark of the franchise.”
He continued, “The modern day storyline will explore deeper themes of memory, identity and autonomy, how the past shapes who we are, and how controlling this past can impact our future. These themes will allow us to reflect on contemporary issues: freedom versus control, the power of knowledge and the tension between individuality and conformity, all through the lens of history.”
Finally, he declared, “The groundwork for this new direction will take shape with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which will lay the foundation for this narrative evolution that will grow in the years to come.”
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
While he claims the game will lay the groundwork for a narrative evolution, it’s likely the game will devolve into something more akin to Dragon Age: The Veilguard where it is a thinly veiled political lecture and humiliation ritual disguised as a video game.
The reason being is elsewhere during his speech, Coté made it clear that Assassin’s Creed is not just a franchise, it’s much more than that. He said, ” At the end of the day, Assassin’s Creed is not just a franchise, it’s a platform for entertainment, dialogue, discovery and understanding.”
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
He added, “Our commitment isn’t just about reflecting on the past, it’s about ensuring that the stories we tell continue to unite, inspire and challenge players, regardless of their background, and we’ll continue to stand by these values because they are central to the heart of the franchise, and I believe, to the future of storytelling itself.”
“Ultimately, we believe that the diversity and richness of the human experience is what helps Assassin’s Creed resonate with players across the globe, and we’re committed to standing firm on that foundation,” Coté asserted.
A screenshot from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2024), Ubisoft
What do you make of Coté’s promise about Assassin’s Creed Shadows laying the foundation for a “narrative evolution” for the Assassin’s Creed franchise?
