Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 24th March to 18th April

Welcome to the monthly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program.

Every four weeks we will be picking our top five favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community.

This special Assassin’s Creed Shadows launch theme has been run alongside @Assassins_UK, the official account for the United Kingdom. Ubisoft are one of the leading publishers and developers in the gaming industry, most famous for their compelling Assassin’s Creed series. We would like to thank the team for agreeing to collaborate with TOWCB on this unique opportunity. We are very grateful that you took the time to pick this wonderful selection of photos for us.

Keep an eye on the site as more shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to #ACFirstCivVP for a chance to be featured.

Theme: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Launch

Samurai

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @AlexK0nstantin

The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Theme

Judge: @Assassins_UK

Assassins UK Team

We chose this amazing virtual photo as our favourite due to its many layers of beauty. Having the fierce silhouette of Yasuke set in front of the iconic rising sun of Japan encapsulates the spirit of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Aaron

Silhouettes and red backgrounds are synonymous with Japanese media. They are symbolic of Japanese culture especially this time period. Even the marketing for Assassin’s Creed Shadows is heavily influenced by this style. In addition, the photo mode has a red dragon filter so we can produce similar style shots. Here we have a phenomenal portrait of Yasuke looking foreboding with his katana by his side. The use of red and black here is perfection, allowing Yasuke's samurai armour to shine with its intricate design. The composition with the sun behind him and the rocky ground elevating Yasuke to a position of authority, takes this capture to new levels.

Time for Reflection

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @domo_vp

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a story of vengeance, which obviously brings a lot of pain and suffering. So, it is nice that Ubisoft allowed the reflective nature of Japanese culture to thrive in the quieter moments of the story. Just as we can see here with this peaceful shot of Naoe that has been elegantly framed. This is truly exceptional work by Dominik as he shows the softer side of our beloved Naoe. Capturing her with head down and eyes closed fits the scene brilliantly. I really like the depth of field and how it adds that flame effect to the circle. Naoe really needs these moments, and it helps us to understand her a little more.

Through the Trees

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @goodlovecapture.bsky.social

Something that Ubisoft has always excelled in is the ability to create bountiful environments. From the announcement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I knew we would be in for some really breath-taking strolls through deep luscious forests. So, what better way to showcase this than an exquisite capture by GoodLove. I have to say the fog in this photo is amazing and shrouds the image in mystery. The height and depth on show complement the feeling of how small a human is when exploring nature. I adore the silhouette of Naoe, especially with the hair blowing in the wind. It almost feels like there is an impending doom about to appear from that fog.

Perched

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @BranCakesVP

I have longed to go back to the street and rooftops of big cities in Assassin’s Creed for quite some time now. The RPG entries offer us glimpses of this but are more focused on the full world. That being said there are some genuinely  impressive buildings to scale in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. With any structure the opportunity arises to pose menacingly, looking down on the people you protect. Bran fortunately has provided that hero moment here with Naoe doing her best Batman impression. It was so smart to go with the black and white approach, especially with those thick white clouds offering great contrast to the shot. Without a bird companion this time, full credit must be given for capturing the eagle flying by in the distance. This is an Assassin’s Creed photo.

Hide in Plain Sight

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @TakaSanGames

Being able to blend in with the crowd has been a staple of the series since its inception. Assassins are trained to merge with their environments, disappearing from sight, allowing them to both assassinate and escape unseen. Finding moments such as the one in this photo are so satisfying. Taka has a knack for eye catching virtual photography and that is evident again here. How can you not admire the focus on Naoe with her unexpectedly colourful attire seamlessly fitting in with the crowd. I am a big fan of the hat covering the eyes and the framing with the crowd and blossom trees is immense. It’s incredible how everything just works here and is coordinated into such a beautiful shot.

Natures Duellists

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @LegacyofAdam

Once again Ubisoft have provided us with a living and breathing natural world that can sometimes make you feel like you’re walking into a David Attenborough documentary. It’s the small details such as these stags rutting that help with immersion, something that has evolved since Origins. Adam has definitely caught a great moment here, such perfect timing. The angle of the shot is excellent allowing us to see the moment of impact, and the level of detail captured in the grass and the stags is beautiful. I also like how the light is beaming in through the gap in the tress, acting as a spotlight on the big fight. Assassin’s Creed Shadows features many duels between skilled fighters, I just didn’t expect it to be talking about the wildlife.

A World in Flames

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @Ayghan

I have been very impressed with the tone of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, especially after the slightly light-hearted approach to Odyssey. So far, we have seen quite a few moody captures, featuring the brutality of feudal Japan. This one from Ayghan is both majestic and tragic. I am really impressed with the colours, the orange/yellow burning Pagoda stands out magnificently against the dark blue sky. Those embers flickering off in the wind make you feel the sheer power of the blaze, and the composition allows us to realise the scale of this building. The framing of the Pagoda between the trees is a nice touch and Naoe is so brilliantly placed, looking up at the destruction of her homeland.

Shadow of Japan

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @PurplePampano

The shinobi was always going to be the sensible approach to weaving the story of Assassin’s Creed through Japan. These infiltrators have operated in very similar ways although there is little historical evidence that suggest they actually assassinated targets. In this capture the drama has really been elevated thanks to some excellent composition work. The lighting is delicious, with Naoe’s hair flowing in the wind. I really like how there is a minimal approach to the photo. She really looks menacing perched on the structure, ready to pounce on an unexpected foe. I am getting Spider-Man 3 movie poster vibes. I think Purple Pampano has aced the Assassin’s Creed mood with this frightful good portrait.

Many Faces

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @RalstonVP

The masks that you find in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are impressive and fit effortlessly with the themes of the game. Allowing Naoe and Yasuke to adopt similar styles to the people they are hunting ties the two parties together in a shaded battle that blurs the lines of right and wrong. I think this is a fantastic portrait that gives an almost two face vibe. It’s such a great idea to have such an intimidating mask show the softness of Naoe through her eye. The shadows have been applied excellently and the colours softly, which assists in highlighting the superb details of the mask. I would not want to see this face hunting me in the night.

Perfectly Poised

Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows

VP Artist: @summers458

If there was ever a photo that could close this wonderful showcase, then it is this one. Assassin’s Creed has always allowed us to witness stand out, reflective moments either through cutscenes or more recently photo mode. I love the layers to this capture with the sun being the focal point, and Naoe beautifully suspended just below. The colour tones are warm and inviting with the different shades of oranges complimenting the darken silhouettes. Naoe starts this journey of vengeance alone but along the way finds friendship to aide her cause. Their struggle to free Japan of its oppressors is long and hard but they do not give up. I feel this capture epitomise this and would definitely have looked good as an end game cutscene. A worthy winner of the #ACFirstCivUK tag - Congratulations.

And that sums it up for this Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list!

Thank you for checking out the photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next time keep those shots coming in!