The AC (Assassin’s Creed) series is one of the most popular and successful video game franchises of all time. Since its debut in 2007, the AC games have sold more than 155 million copies worldwide, and generated countless spin-offs, merchandise, and cultural references. But beyond the surface-level appreciation of its gameplay, graphics, and storytelling, the AC series has a rich and complex history that reflects the evolution of the gaming industry, the global trends of entertainment and media, and the intersections of art, history, and technology.
One of the key features of the AC series is its historical settings and narratives. Each main AC game takes place in a different era and location, ranging from ancient Egypt to medieval Japan, from Renaissance Italy to Victorian England, from the American Revolution to the French Revolution, from the Industrial Revolution to World War I, and beyond. The player assumes the role of an assassin, a member of a secret society that seeks to fight for freedom and justice by eliminating the enemies of liberty and equality. Along the way, the player interacts with historical figures, landmarks, events, and ideologies, and learns about the social, political, and cultural context of each time period.
The developers of the AC series, Ubisoft Montreal, have stated that their goal is not to create a realistic or accurate portrayal of history, but rather to offer an immersive and engaging experience that blends fiction and reality. To that end, they employ a team of historians, consultants, and experts from various fields to ensure an authentic and respectful representation of the past. They also incorporate elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and mythology into the AC universe, such as the existence of ancient artifacts, futuristic technologies, and supernatural powers. This hybrid approach has drawn criticism and praise from different audiences, but it has undeniably contributed to the longevity and popularity of the AC series.
Another aspect of the AC series that has had a significant impact on the gaming industry and beyond is its transmedia and cross-cultural reach. Besides the main games, the AC franchise includes novels, comics, movies, TV shows, music, merchandise, and even educational resources. The AC brand has also inspired fan communities, cosplays, fanfictions, podcasts, blogs, and academic studies. The AC series has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders, generations, and platforms, and has shaped the way people consume, create, and interact with media.
One notable example of the real-life influence of the AC series is its impact on tourism. Several AC games have featured iconic and picturesque locations that have become tourist attractions in their own right. For instance, the AC II game showcases the city of Florence, Italy, in great detail, from the famous Duomo to the hidden alleys and courtyards. As a result, many fans of the game have visited Florence and retraced the steps of the protagonist, Ezio Auditore. Similarly, the AC III game depicts Boston and New York during the Revolutionary War era, and has spurred interest in Revolutionary history and tourism in those cities. In fact, the National Park Service collaborated with Ubisoft on a project that uses the AC III game as an educational and promotional tool for the Boston Freedom Trail.
In conclusion, the AC series is a remarkable and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the power and potential of video games as a form of art, entertainment, and education. The AC series has evolved and adapted to the changing needs and expectations of its audience and the industry, while maintaining its core themes and values of freedom, justice, and history. The AC series has also inspired and influenced various fields and initiatives, from tourism to education to social activism. The AC series has proven that gaming can be more than a hobby or a diversion, but also a meaningful and impactful medium that reflects and shapes the world we live in.quick car jack lift