Assassin's Creed has always featured a mix of historical fiction wrapped in modern conspiracy stories, but in recent years the plot has struggled to find its focus between the two timelines. Ubisoft aims to correct the balance with Assassin's Creed Shadows.
“Ending Desmond's arc was a difficult decision, and then the modern story struggled to find its footing,” Côté admits. “The continued focus on characters searching for Isu artifacts made the narrative more predictable and reduced the conflict between the Templars and the Assassins to a simple quest for control over – let's be honest – magical relics.
“This change diverted attention from what had always been at the heart of the franchise: exploring our story. As this focus became repetitive, players and critics alike felt that the modern story had become a secondary concern. “More than an integral part of the overall experience, moreover, the compound complexity of 15 years of history built into this parallel story created a cognitive load that made the franchise. difficult for newcomers to approach.
As the series enters what Côté calls its “third period,” the team's goal is to “put the story back at the center of the player experience.” The modern narrative will serve to enhance, rather than overshadow, the historical journey by creating significant contrast. between the past and the present. Our goal is to restore the balance that was once the hallmark of the franchise and help people feel this vertigo of history.
“The modern story will explore deeper themes of memory, identity and autonomy, how the past shapes who we are and how controlling this past can affect our future,” Côté continues. “These themes will allow us to reflect on contemporary issues (freedom versus control, the power of knowledge, and the tension between individuality and conformity) through the lens of history. While I don't want to give too much away, we are excited to see how it plays out. “This transformation. The foundation 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 coming years.”
Côté also shut down “bigotry-driven attacks” against Assassin's Creed Shadows' black samurai and woman warrior, and condemned “personal attacks” against the developers.