Assassin's Creed News Recap: 21st - 27th August 2022 News Share 29 Aug 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Welcome to a new Assassin's Creed News Recap series, hosted by Colum Blackett (Col_96) from The Ubisoft Star Players Program (Formerly Mentors Guild). Every week, we will be rounding up Assassin's Creed News and sharing it here on The Ones Who Came Before website. Keep an eye on the site every Sunday for more weekly recaps, or check out our social media links down below to stay updated on everything Assassin's Creed. 1 ) Assassins in Need Merchandise Sale Launched We kick off this week's news recap by returning to our Assassin's Creed community fundraiser, which is raising funds for The British Heart Foundation and American Heart Association. To mark £400 raised for the cause so far, we here at TOWCB launched a merchandise sale featuring a design created by team member Thea Rivedal! You can now pre-order Assassins In Need T-shirts, which are available in both short or long sleeve until the 13th September. 100% of the proceeds support the 2022 community fundraiser, so this is a great opportunity to make a difference, and also look incredible with beautiful limited edition merchandise! Huge thank you to everyone who has supported the cause so far. Pre-order your Assassins in Need merchandise now 2) More Community Creations Shared on Social Media The 15 Year Anniversary celebrations continued this week with more community content commissioned by Ubisoft. On the 24th August, the official Assassin's Creed social media channels shared two stunning new designs by Instagram user alenoc.artworks! There's no doubt that these two designs make incredible wallpapers, featuring an array of fan-favourite characters, paying homage to the series and its history. Even deeper than that though, the images could also provide a real starting point for Assassin's Creed Infinity, offering a glimpse at how a live-service Assassins' Creed game could look if handled properly. As September approaches, we are all eagerly awaiting the Ubisoft Forward event which takes place on the 10th, which is set to reveal the future of Assassin's Creed. Perhaps we will also get our first look of the mysterious 'Infinity' project? 3) Ezio Auditore Statue Unveiled in France Ubisoft proudly unveiled a huge statue of Ezio Auditore at the Saint Mandé studio in France! It technically would have made more sense to launch an Arno Dorian statue (French Brotherhood) considering the location, but no-one can deny Ezio's fame and popularity. The statue itself stands on a plinth featuring the Assassin insignia, and can be found front and centre at the entrance to the building. We love the idea that Ezio now keeps watch over the studio, working in the dark to serve the light. The statue also lends itself nicely to fans looking for a photo opportunity, and will find itself becoming popular to those adventuring out on an Assassin's Creed pilgrimage across Europe. We can also confirm that the statue is not made of chocolate, despite some confusion on Twitter. Are you going to visit the Ezio statue? Tag @ ACFirstCiv for a retweet on Twitter! 4) Fan Expo Canada 2022 The Ubisoft Booth at Fan Expo Canada 2022 did a great job at celebrating the 15th anniversary of Assassin's Creed. Those attending the event could participate in giveaways to win exclusive collector items, play the games on multiple platforms, and also take photos with life-sized statues! Ubisoft invited members of the Ubisoft Canada Guild (featuring Assassin's Creed Brand Ambassadors) to attend the event, which for many would be the first in-person AC related event in a very long time. It's so great to see the world open up again once more, hosting events on a large-scale. The Creed bringing people together is a beautiful thing. 5) Assassin's Creed Cosplay Competition at Insomnia i69 Gaming Fest (Birmingham, UK) Insomnia i69 saw a collaboration between Ubisoft, CosXpo and Insomnia, with the event hosting an Assassin's Creed Cosplay Competition to mark 15 years of the series! The cosplay competition was judged by Tabitha Lyons, Psycadillo, Helen Alice and Magnus Bruun, and hosted by CJ Allan! Awards: Best in Show: @ creedcosplay Best Performance: @ OthrysEternal Honourable Mention: @ megabethbob Huge congratulations to Jamie Oakley for winning the Best of Show award! It's fair to say that the competition was very hard to judge, so well done to all the talented cosplayers who took part and also to the judges! 6) Gamescom 2022 (Cologne, Germany) The final event featuring Assassin's Creed content this week was Gamescom 2022, which saw Assassin's Creed cosplayers looking for the PureArts booth in order to win Ezio Auditore statues and editions of Orlog! Over at the Ubisoft booth, all were welcome in the community lounge, a chill zone complete with a bar. This was no doubt a great opportunity for fans to re-energise after what can be a long and tiring day. Congratulations to all who won PureArts products! 7) Assassin's Creed Animus Next Launched Ubisoft China launched a new interactive online platform titled Assassin's Creed Animus Next! The website, which acts as a business site for Abstergo Industries, features information about the company, its history, and future plans! Users can login to the site as an Abstergo employee, unlock information about Assassin's Creed characters and win prizes! It's so cool to see a platform like this back online. After the closure of both Assassin's Creed Initiates and Project Legacy many years ago, fans have dreamt of their re-activation. This new project seems to be heavily inspired by the latter, as users would unlock information through participating in daily quizzes about the series. Although the platform and the trailer have released in Chinese, the team over at Access the Animus have translated the trailer and some of the portal menus! If you're interested in this, we suggest heading over to their Twitter account for more details. You can view the platform for yourself here. 8) The Ones Who Came Before Meet-up I was incredibly pleased to be able to meet Gustav Poulsen (host of The Memory Corridor Podcast and member of the Assassin's Creed Partnership Program) during his time here in the UK! Gustav (Gargudon), who is based in Denmark, has been a friend of the TOWCB admin team for nearly seven years now, and it was an absolute pleasure to meet in real life. I set off to Manchester via train to meet Gustav, and gave him an insight into what a UK weekend can look like. Naturally, we ended up in a pub to watch the football, but as is often the case with old friends, we reflected on the past, and how the Assassin's Creed series and community have changed over the years. We also looked towards the future, and both agreed that a more stealth-based direction could be beneficial for the series, leaving dragons and mythology behind. We'll learn more about the future of Assassin's Creed at the Ubisoft Forward event on September 10th. Although Gustav is currently taking some time away from social media, he has found comfort in his music, helping him heal after a damaging lockdown period which affected the world in so many different ways. After so many years, it felt like fate to finally meet, right on the edge of a life-changing event in my own life: the birth of my son. 9) The Golden City Synopsis released In the last recap article, we reported that several retailers including Amazon and IndieBound had listed an upcoming novel titled 'Assassin's Creed: The Golden City', written by Jaleigh Johnson & published by Aconyte Books, which is set to release February 7th 2023! Here is the full synopsis for the novel! ''A young emperor’s life hangs in the balance in ancient Constantinople, and only the Brotherhood of Assassins can save him, in this action-packed historical adventure from the award-winning Assassin’s Creed universeConstantinople, 867 – A murderous plot is afoot. Assisted by the Order of the Ancients, the emperor schemes to assassinate his son and throw the city into chaos. In response, the Hidden Ones have dispatched Assassin acolyte Hytham to join his mentor, Basim Ibn Ishaq, to infiltrate the palace and foil the emperor’s plan. But that is not his only mission… Hytham’s brotherhood have entrusted him with uncovering where Basim’s true loyalties lie and whether the master Assassin’s personal obsessions outweigh his sense of duty. For Hytham to succeed, he must tread carefully, for Constantinople is a city of shadows, and danger hides in all of them.'' We hope that you enjoyed this Assassin's Creed News Recap! You can look forward to more articles like this, dropping every Sunday! What was your highlight of the week? Let us know in the comments! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Assassins in Need: Heart of the Creed (2022 Community Fundraiser) Fundraising Share 17 Aug 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database We are pleased to reveal that our 2022 Assassin's Creed Community Fundraiser will run from the 15th August - 10th September 2022! This year's campaign is titled 'Assassins in Need: Heart of the Creed', and will raise money for The British Heart Foundation and The American Heart Association, two incredible organisations providing critical cardiovascular medical research and education to facilities around the world. This lifesaving campaign launched by The Ones Who Came Before in association with various different companies and communities hopes to be our biggest yet, with a target of £1500. Here you can learn more about the 2022 campaign and our partners! This is a cause which we can all get behind, as many of us in the community have lost family members and friends to heart disease or related conditions. Earlier in the year, Assassin's Creed scriptwriter Russell Lees sadly passed away from a heart attack. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Our Assassin's Creed community fundraisers have collectively raised over £2500 for various causes, and we hope to once again support a worthwhile cause which can save lives. Thank You https://video.wixstatic.com/video/06e6c8_89aef6b06ff94ec09a46899f54d573a5/360p/mp4/file.mp4 Dave Woodward from Assassin's Creed United Kingdom https://video.wixstatic.com/video/06e6c8_de76bed45c324e7f9ac7db2b948a6441/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Declan from Let's Talk Assassin's Creed promoting the campaign on his podcast https://video.wixstatic.com/video/06e6c8_588bdeb184784c1ea7a33785703e4586/480p/mp4/file.mp4 The Maverick (A Hidden One) promoting the campaign onhis TikTok channel. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/06e6c8_8b8a8abf18644f648d87496f89e2efa7/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Aaron from the AC Partnership program thanking donors 2022 Partners Links to Assassin's Creed As longtime fans of TOWCB will know, we pick our fundraising causes very carefully, finding ways to connect real-life issues to the Assassin's Creed series In the Assassin's Creed series, Master Assassin and Mentor Ezio Auditore died of a heart attack on a bench in his beloved city of Florence. We were also saddened to report the death of Assassin's Creed scriptwriter Russell Lees earlier in the year, who passed away from a heart attack. Russell worked on various AAA Ubisoft titles as a script writer, most recently as Lead Writer for Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wrath of the Druids and ACV's Sciropscire & Oxenefordscire arcs. Milestones & Raffles £100 reached: Lisa Zaman Art Sale. All profits go towards the fundraiser. We are thrilled to announce that Lisa has once again teamed up with TOWCB team to host an exclusive art print sale! £300 reached: Assassin's Creed History Livestream launched, covering historical figures, landmarks and events. Hosted by @science_creed, @ac_landmarks and @HistoriansPers and by our YouTube channel names The Science of Assassin's Creed and AC Landmarks. Additionally, you can find the channel of our collaborator Master Hekate's Ceremonials also on YouTube £400 reached: Merchandise Sale launched We are pleased to announce the launch of our Assassins In Need merchandise sale, featuring a design created by TOWCB team member Thea Rivedal! 100% of proceeds support the 2022 community fundraiser, raising funds for @ TheBHF & @ American_Heart £500 reached: Ezio Auditore Statue Auction: All profits go towards the fundraiser We will be auctioning an Ezio statue, kindly donated to the fundraiser by Ubisoft UK! £1000 reached: Merchandise Sale: We will be selling even more exclusive Heart of the Creed fundraiser merchandise, using designs created by AC Partnership Members. Opportunity! All donors of £5 or more will receive access to our Thank You pack, containing a special video! You'll need to donate to find out more! Opportunity! All donors of £15 or more will be entered into a raffle! Aconyte Books have kindly donated x5 digital bundles containing the following novels! Assassin's Creed: Sword of the White Horse Assassin's Creed: The Magus Conspiracy Assassin's Creed: The Ming Storm Opportunity! All donors of £20 or more will be entered in to a raffle! We have x3 Ezio Auditore Assassin's Creed Revelations prints by Chariflame to giveaway! Opportunity! All donors of £50 or more will be entered into a raffle We have x1 signed Evie Frye Print, signed by voice actress Victoria Atikin, kindly donated to the fundraiser by Kim Beacham from the Assassin's Creed United Kingdom team! Get Involved You can now find the 2022 Assassins in Need fundraiser on GoFundMe. We need your support to make this a success, so please donate and support the fundraiser if you can. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Assassins Creed Mirage Character Reference Guide Released Community Share 26 May 2023 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Aaron Young Back To Database Ubisoft has today released a character reference guide for Assassin's Creed Mirage, featuring close-up turnaround images for Basim Ibn Ishaq and his Mentor Roshan. The guide reveals a number of hidden details that will no doubt make it an essential resource for cosplayers looking to replicate the outfits, weaponary and tools. For non-cosplayers, it is a sneak preview at what is to come in Assassin's Creed Mirage. Check out the guide below, and keep an eye on our social media channels (below) to stay up to date on everything Assassin's Creed! PDF File comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Where to Start With the Assassin’s Creed Series Guide Share 17 Aug 2024 Written By: Edited By: Edenoi Colum Blackett Back To Database Ubisoft has released a new Assassin's Creed game most years since beginning the series in 2007, with over a dozen games in the main series. This can provide a challenge for newcomers looking to get into Assassin's Creed but not sure where to start. With this guide, we'll go through the series, explaining which games make the best entry points and which should be left for later in your journey into the world of Assassin's Creed. Note that this guide avoids side games such as the 2.5D Chronicles subseries, as these are less representative of the series and are generally not recommended as entry points. Assassin's Creed (2007) - Recommended Unsurprisingly, the very first game released in the series makes a perfectly good entry point. If you already know that you want to experience the entire series, then you can just start right at the beginning and play each game in release order (the same order that they appear in this guide). You'll follow every development and can be sure you aren't missing anything. Assassin's Creed II (2009) - Ideal There are, unfortunately, reasons why beginning with the first game may be untenable. The original Assassin's Creed is the only game from the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 era that has not been re-released for later hardware, making it more difficult to play the game than any other if you play games on console. The first game also has essentially no accessibility features, including subtitles, which may make playing it impossible for some. The good news, however, is that the first game is easily skipped. While the modern day storyline of Assassin's Creed II does pick up where the previous game left off, the historical setting which makes up the majority of the game is brand new. Additionally, the plot of the first game is largely dedicated to establishing the basic concepts of the series, which means you really aren't missing too much by starting with the second. Think of it as a story beginning in medias res and you'll be just fine. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (2010) - Not Recommended Brotherhood is a direct continuation of Assassin's Creed II in both the historical and modern day portions of the plot, and is therefore among the worst entry points to the series. Play Assassin's Creed II first, then move on to Brotherhood. Assassin's Creed: Revelations (2011) - Not Recommended Like Brotherhood, Revelations is a part of the Ezio trilogy (named for the historical protagonist) as well as the Desmond saga (named for the modern day protagonist) and is best played after Assassin's Creed II and Brotherhood. Assassin's Creed III (2012) - Not Recommended Assassin's Creed III (actually the fifth game in the series) features a new historical setting, but it also includes a substantial modern day storyline which serves as the culmination of the series up to that point. The Desmond games (all of the games in the list up to here) are best played in order starting with either the first or second game. Assassin's Creed: Liberation (2012) - Not Recommended Liberation was originally released as a kind of companion to Assassin's Creed III for the PlayStation Vita handheld console and is thus not really part of the main series, but was later ported to major consoles and can easily be mistaken for a main game. Liberation is a decent attempt to make Assassin's Creed work in a handheld format that largely preserves the gameplay of the main series, but it is nevertheless hampered by its handheld origins and is thus not the best representation of the series for someone just getting into it. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) - Ideal Black Flag is a highly regarded entry in the series which serves as something of a soft reboot for the series. The historical storyline is technically something of a prequel to Assassin's Creed III as it actually stars the grandfather of the latter game's protagonist, but it doesn't assume any knowledge of previous games. The modern day story features a faceless, nameless protagonist controlled from a first-person perspective who knows nothing about Assassin's Creed lore, so you won't be left behind in that regard either. All told, Black Flag is an excellent entry point to the series. Assassin's Creed: Freedom Cry (2013) - Recommended Freedom Cry is a standalone expansion to Black Flag starring a major character from the latter game, which might sound like a bad place to start. However, the plot of Freedom Cry is largely unrelated to Black Flag. As it isn't quite a major release, Freedom Cry is perhaps not as good an entry point as Black Flag, but it does the job just fine, especially if you prefer to aid a slave revolt over piracy. Also it does not feature a Modern Day storyline so it is a great place to start for new players. Assassin's Creed: Rogue (2014) - Not Recommended Rogue is a sort of interquel between Black Flag and Assassin's Creed III and has strong ties to both games, including major returning characters. Additionally, the game features a Templar as its protagonist rather than an Assassin and subverts the Assassin's Creed formula in certain ways, which you'll appreciate more once you're more familiar with the franchise. Assassin's Creed: Unity (2014) - Not Recommended Unity is a controversial entry in the series which was widely regarded as a buggy disappointment on release, although it has developed a bit of a cult following since. The game has a new setting and barely any modern day story, which means you won't be missing much in terms of context if you start with Unity, but its generally poor reception compared to the rest of the series makes it hard to recommend as a first encounter with Assassin's Creed when there are other options that are more universally beloved. Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (2015) - Ideal Syndicate, like Unity, features a new historical setting and minimal modern day aspect, which takes place in the form of cutscenes, but it also has the advantage of addressing complaints about Unity. Play it for a mostly light-hearted, steampunk take on Assassin's Creed. Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017) - Ideal Origins acts as another soft reboot for the franchise, introducing not only a new historical setting and a new playable modern day protagonist, but also RPG mechanics. The story of Origins depicts the formation of the society that would one day be known as the Assassin Brotherhood, which makes it a great entry point to the franchise. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018) - Recommended Odyssey continues taking Assassin's Creed even deeper into the RPG genre, including male and female character options and romanceable NPCs. The historical portion takes place chronologically earlier than any other game in the series, so early that there aren't actually technically any Assassins in it because those haven't been invented yet. The modern day story does continue following the same protagonist from Origins, but doesn't require any knowledge of the previous game. The main strike against Odyssey as an entry point is that it's so far removed from the other games, it almost isn't an Assassin's Creed game. However, if you want a game that's as much of an RPG as possible, complete with an epic quest and an almost mythical hero, Odyssey is a solid choice. Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (2020) - Not Recommended Valhalla's modern day storyline follows on from major events not only in Odyssey and its DLC, but also as far back as the Desmond saga. In addition, while the historical setting of Valhalla is new, the story features important plot points that build on concepts from the previous games that may be difficult to understand without the proper context. Wait for your Viking adventure until you've played the previous Assassin's Creed games. Assassin's Creed: Mirage (2023) - Not Recommended Mirage is a direct prequel to Valhalla and deals heavily with major revelations from that game, leading to an ending that may make little sense if you haven't played Valhalla first. Assassin's Creed: Nexus VR (2023) - Not Recommended Nexus is the first virtual reality Assassin's Creed game and though it is not part of the main series, it does replicate much of the traditional Assassin's Creed gameplay with motion controls from a first-person perspective. More than the nontraditional medium, what makes Nexus a less than ideal entry point is the fact that it stars three characters returning from previous games and doesn't do much to bring you up to speed on these characters, their stories or the core concepts of the series. Assassin's Creed: Shadows (2024) - ??? Shadows is still an upcoming release as of this writing. It features an entirely new setting and no modern day aspect in the game itself (although it is set to include a kind of launcher presented as an Animus, the device from the series that allows one to experience others' memories preserved in DNA). This suggests it may be a good entry point for the series, but it's hard to say before the game actually comes out. Best Entry Points Assassin's Creed II - Renaissance Italy Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag - Golden Age of Piracy Assassin's Creed: Syndicate - Victorian London Assassin's Creed: Origins - Ptolemaic Egypt All games except for the original (and Nexus) are available on recent PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and all of the games (except Nexus) are available on PC. Nexus is available on Meta Quest headsets. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Eden is a codebreaker who joined The Ones Who Came Before during the Assassin's Creed Shadows promotional campaign, helping the team to decipher numerous codes and puzzles used for marketing. She is also a high school Maths tutor, and has previously published a few short TTRPG's with more projects in the works. She first started playing Assassin's Creed in 2010, and is especially interested in the glyphs and puzzles, and platforms such as Assassin's Creed Initiates that expand the lore in creative ways. Edenoi

The Evolution of Assassin's Creed Analysis Share 27 Aug 2024 Written By: Edited By: Hayden Bird Colum Blackett Back To Database The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series has come a long way since its creation way back in 2007. The games have been forced to adapt to coexist with the rapid evolution of technology. The technology that game developers had in 2007 is extremely different from what gaming companies have access to now. Having a game series that started in the late 2000’s to the present day means a lot of change over time, both with the games and with the world as it is today. Ubisoft had a challenge given to them in trying to make the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series acceptable in today's standards, but also not to abandon the premise and idea of the games that fans have known and loved for so many years. ‘Assassin’s Creed’ has undergone some changes to the series, in nearly all aspects. Fans of the games have sometimes been divided in their love for this franchise. ‘Assassin’s Creed’ is really a lot more than just a game, it's a family as well. To have a community that can share their love for the games together is harmonious for the creators and the fans, and Ubisoft hit the jackpot by bringing together people from all over the world into one family. There is no denying the games have been through many changes, and doing this has helped keep the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series alive and well as it is today. The main evolution that the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ games have been through is the major shift in gameplay. The original games were much different from the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ we know today. For starters, the original games followed a more predictable formula, meaning that mostly every game released in their once annual cycle were quite similar to one another. They followed stealth, action, and some tactical ideas, while the more modern games in the series have transitioned to more RPG, which stands for Role Playing Game, and adopted this approach for the current formula of almost all the modern games. There are significant differences in the old and the new formulas, such as combat and stealth have been heavily reworked. In past games, combat was mostly a matter of timing and countering enemy attacks. It was too easy to kill basically any enemy in the game, it was so easy to the point where the games would offer more expensive in-game weapons that supposedly could help you deeper into the game, but it was quite common for players to not even need to upgrade any of their equipment one time, as it was simple playing the entire game with the base weapons and still being able to get past all enemies with ease. The new games changed this flaw from past games in the series, as now it is vital to upgrade your weapons and equipment to match that of your personal level in the game, as using under-leveled equipment vs stronger enemies would prove much more challenging. This ensured that the games were not only up to modern standards, but also that they were believable and played well like most big and successful games do today. The major overhaul of the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series began after the sales disappointment of 2015’s ‘Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’ . It caused Ubisoft to change course from their usual annual installment schedule and instead decided to take a year off in the franchise for the first time since after the very first game released back in 2007 with the two year gap between the first and second game. Since then the series grew accustomed to releasing a new game every year. So, in 2016 there was no new ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game, as they put all their efforts into focusing on 2017’s ‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’ . This game marked a new era for the franchise, as it was the overhaul of almost all the features the previous games had created. The change in formula was hit with positive responses from both critics and fans. It was a rebirth of the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series in a way. Ever since 2017, nearly all games in the series have followed a similar path that ‘Origins’ started. Of course, there are fans who miss and prefer the old formula, as it was the identity of the franchise since its creation. Some fans even these many years later would still rather play an ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game like it used to be played. Ubisoft listened to these fans, and released last year's ‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage’ as a tribute to the beginning of the franchise 15 years later to that date. It was a game directed at fans of the previous formula, as it abandoned most of the heavy RPG aspects that recent games have adopted, and instead brought back a lot of what the old formula began. It was a great gesture by Ubisoft to also create a new game in the formula of the past, as they knew fans who missed the past formula would feel catered to once again. Many fans even today think Ubisoft should continue a trend like this, by catering to fans of both the older and newer games, and finding a balance that all fans could enjoy together. The newer ‘Assassin’s Creed’ games have proved very successful both critically and financially. The games have helped keep the core foundation of the series together to match that of modern expectations. The tech industry moves very quickly, and those who fail to adapt often get left behind, and the same goes for the video game industry. You have to stay current with your games, otherwise fans will lose interest and the series itself would begin to lose its massive impact on the entire gaming world that ‘Assassin’s Creed’ has created its positive reputation all these years later. Not having their unique and popular identity would be bad for the franchise, and the games we know today may cease to exist without the major change the games have had to take. It’s just the way the tech business is, you need to stay up to date otherwise fans will go somewhere else, and lose interest. Ubisoft had quite a bold task on their hands when they rebooted the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series years ago, and according to gamers and the majority of the fanbase alike, Ubisoft nailed it and has managed to breathe new life into the franchise. The evidence for this is the fact that the games are as popular as ever today, and continue to make a long-lasting impact on the gaming world. The series we know and love has undergone some significant changes in the past, but was for the best, and vital to its current success to this day. comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest Guest Aug 28, 2024 Awesome article! Well written! Like Reply About the Author Hayden is a passionate Freelance Writer based in South Carolina who joined TOWCB's Writing Team in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic, writing articles on all things Assassin's Creed Valhalla. He left the group to focus on studies, joining our Alumni program, but triumphantly returned with fresh ideas in 2024 to pick up where he left off, only this time covering Assassin's Creed Shadows. In 2025, Hayden took on the position of Team Leader for TOWCB's Writing Team, overseeing article releases, assisting with recruitment and providing assistance with internal operations. Hayden Bird

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 18th to 29th March 2024 Community Share 16 Apr 2024 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the biweekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program. Every two weeks we will be picking our top 5 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. 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. This theme week: Parkour Looking to Sync Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: Eric Allen (@ Milz_VP ) The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Aaron ( FalconSwift87 ) The return to the roots with Assassin’s Creed Mirage brings back the experience of an Assassin traversing a city in search of his target. It’s a feeling of nostalgia that many fans have enjoyed. Climbing structures with Eivor or Kassandra always felt slightly out of place. Here we have an intriguing shot of Basim scaling one of the tall structures found throughout Baghdad. I really like how the composition creates a sense of height and danger. The sandy tones mixed with the sky-blue work to reinforce the location of this excellent capture. Watch for the Shadows Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ m_nt_13 Aaron ( FalconSwift87 ) I was happy when the team suggested running a parkour theme as Assassin’s Creed is so famous for this form of traversing. As the games have progressed the standard has constantly been raised and we have been able to climb almost any structure in the game. This capture really resonates with me as I am a fan of this type of photo. The lighting is immense and serves to highlight the beautiful details on the Baghdad building. Not only that but it casts a shadow of Basim and the line he is crossing. Once again, the composition is great, and I like that Basim is slightly off centre. Taking in the Sights Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ visionevp Aaron ( FalconSwift87 ) We could not have this theme without a return to the beginning with Bayek and the pyramids. Although a large proportion of Assassin’s Creed Origins is desert the cities are a great place to get your free run on. I will never forget my first time scaling the elegant pyramids, and that awesome sensation as you slide down one. This shot is impressive as it combines both parkour and some stunning scenery. I love the orange tones mixed with the pure white, and Bayek contrasts excellently with these. His pose is perfect and reminds me of Senu his eagle companion. Escaping Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ UnfazedVP Aaron ( FalconSwift87 ) I think my favourite Assassin’s Creed for parkour is Unity. The speed in which you could traverse the rooftops was very satisfying. I also enjoyed the almost cinematic moments when escaping through buildings or windows. Here Julio has recreated something similar that takes me back to 2014. This is a clean shot that has three colours working beautifully together. The red sash is eye catching, and Bayek’s black robes give him a tremendous Assassin feel. Once again, the light hitting the sandy building works to contrast against Bayek. He works in the dark to serve the light. Searching for Trouble Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ BasimIbnIshaq_ Aaron ( FalconSwift87 ) With the talk of Assassin’s Creed Red having two playable characters, I started to think what Valhalla would have been like if we switched between Eivor and Basim. I think it would have worked excellently with the tension between the two and the obvious assassin and warrior mentalities. Here we can see Basim approaching a straw roof building on what looks like London. I guess this shot is from the discovery tour. I love the choice of outfit and the positioning is on point. I also like how the white of his robes stand out clearly against the darker background. Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography Showcase - March 2024 Video edited by Turið Torkilsdóttir. 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! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

This Week in Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography: 7th - 13th May 2022 Community Share 18 May 2022 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the new weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week, we will be picking our top 5 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. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for capture across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. 1) Leap of Faith Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla This week’s first capture comes from @ The_LoadScreen over on Twitter. There is definitely something poetic about Eivor performing the leap of faith from a church in Valhalla. I love that this shot is black and white for it adds a certain grandeur, along with the church steeple. I also particularly like how the sky is a mix of dark clouds and bright light. Even the little details in the background are impressive. 2) The Arrow Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Photo number two comes from @ TheChad_1978 over on Twitter. I am always a sucker for archery captures and this one is no different. I adore the composition of this shot. The light is truly incredible, so much so it reminds me of concept art for the game. Obviously the archer won me over though, especially in that gear set with the green arrow glowing, absolutely brilliant. 3) True Assassin Game: Assassin’s Creed Unity This week’s third shot comes from @ CoalaBR14 over on Twitter. This shot is classic Assassin’s Creed with plenty of nostalgia. Unity still remains one of the best looking AC games around, and this capture tells you why. The level of detail is unbelievable, the developers clearly spent a lot of time on it. If you were looking for a phone wallpaper this would be perfect. 4) Moon Night Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP number four comes from @ Brentassins over on Twitter. Wow the colours in this shot are amazing, and the positioning is perfect. The moon shining brightly in between the clouds is the real standout. The sparks in the sky, reflecting off the water are genius too. Most of the time great VP comes down to a balance of skill and timing, and clearly this shot has both. 5) Travelling Italy Game: Assassin’s Creed II The final capture of the week comes from @ CreedScholars over at ACFirstCiv Community . The final shot of the week showcases Italy at its finest. What a fantastic selection of photos with a great assortment of colours and landscapes. I am really starting to love these style of pictures as you get so much variety. I think my favourite is the first shot as that yells AC/Ezio to me. Just imagine if they made these games today, the cities would be unbelievable. And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

AC Community Questions: James Davis Interview Share 2 Jul 2025 Written By: Edited By: James Davis (TopChef1288) Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome back to another article in our Assassin's Creed Community Questions series, made up of interviews with Assassins based around the world. This week, we are joined by James Davis (TopChef1288), who recently joined our Assassin's Creed Partnership program as a video content creator! Col: Hi James, thank you for joining me for this introductory interview. Please could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role within the Assassin's Creed Community. James: Hi I’m James but most people know me as Topchef, I’ve always loved AC & I wanted to make content about it. I post news, tips and historical information videos about places and people, even events that happened at the time during AC games Col: In June 2025, you joined The Ones Who Came Before's Assassin's Creed Partnership Program, known as the Isu_Network. Are you looking forward to working alongside the team during the launch of the 2025 AC Community Fundraiser? James: I’m looking forward to working on the fundraiser , as blood cancer is a serious issue. I wanted to help do anything I can to raise awareness and support for the cause. Col: How excited are you for the future of Assassin's Creed? James: After playing and finishing Shadows, I’m very excited for the future of AC. I’ve loved Assassin's Creed since day one, and I love the lore and history that comes with it. I’m excited to see where they take the franchise next. Col: Which Assassin's Creed game have you been playing recently, and which game are you playing next? James: I recently played Shadows relentlessly and loved every second of it. I’m currently playing Assassin’s Creed III; was one of my favourite but after playing Shadows. I feel it’s lost the magic it once held. Col: Have you visited any of the locations from the games? James: I haven’t travelled much in my life, I’ve been to Big Ben and a few random locations in Valhalla but for my honeymoon we are planning an Italy trip; massively influenced by Ezio. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood capture by Gargudon Col: Which Assassin's Creed game is your favourite and why? James: Assassin’s Creed II will always be my favourite, it introduced us to the greatest assassin of all time. I feel it took what made AC1 so great and made it better. We had some of the best moments, the best protagonist & antagonist. It was truly a masterpiece. Col: Have you attended any events within the Assassin's Creed Community? James: I haven’t attended any events in the community but I would love to. AC has been a massive love of mine and would love to be apart of that. Col: Do you have a favourite Assassin's Creed community moment/story you would like to share? James: My favourite moment in the AC community is watching how everyone is treated & supportive of each other. On a personal level, as you know my daughter was recently in hospital for a serious condition & the community has been very supportive and it makes me happy to be a part of. Col: What would be your dream setting for the upcoming AC Netflix TV show or future game? James: I think we need to see more AC content on Netflix or in media in general but my dream setting for AC would be Scotland during the 1295-1328, I have written a plot and characters for this already. Scottish Assassin Cosplay by Caleb Allen, former member of the AC Partnership Program Col: Do you have any personal AC goals you would like to achieve? James: I would like to be more involved in creating content for TOWCB and really show my worth. Col: What would you say is your most significant community achievement to date? James: I would say joining TOWCB, I wanted to step into the AC space by trying to bring news and entertainment to people. So to be invited to join and be apart of such a great community and team is fantastic. Col: What is your favourite part of being a community member? James: My favourite part, it would have to be listening and sharing with fellow like minded individuals. We all have different strengths and weaknesses but we all support each other. Col: Do you collect AC merchandise? If so, what is your favourite item? James: I would like to start collecting more merchandise, like the statues but I do have some hidden blades. I have Ezio & Edward’s. Ezio’s hidden blade is stunning, even as a toy. Col: What advice do you have for people looking to get into content creation? James: Be consistent, find something you love and enjoy what you’re doing. Passion and joy will get you so far but consistency and patience will get you the rest of the way. And finally don’t worry about others opinions of you. Col: Where can our community members find you online? James: I’m on TikTok @topchef1288 where I spend most of my time and where the majority of my content is. I’m also on Twitter/X @ topchef1288 where I’m trying to post more. Finally I’m also on twitch topchef1288 there too, I am hoping to get back into streaming content as well. We would like to say a huge thank you to James for joining us for this interview. Keep an eye out for his content on his own personal channels (above), and also TOWCB social media platforms (below). comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author James is a UK-based video creator who joined TOWCB's Video Content Creation Team in June 2025. James was originally brought on board to help TOWCB with TikTok news coverage and to establish a consistent Twitch streaming schedule, but he also took on the Video Content Creation Team leadership position until personal circumstances changed in Summer 2026. He is a big fan of the Assassin's Creed series, and runs the Rally the Creed podcast alongside TOWCB Team Leader Col, consistently hosting weekly episodes. By joining the partnership program, we aim to provide James with opportunities to grow and further his relationship with the AC Community and Ubisoft. James Davis (TopChef1288)

2024 The Ones Who Came Before Logo Designs Revealed News Share 20 May 2024 Written By: Edited By: Thea M. Rivedal Colum Blackett Back To Database We are excited to reveal a new logo design for The Ones Who Came Before, created by Thea Marie Rivedal (@ MoonChildGecko) from @ Isu_Network , and is based on the winning logo design chosen by our community! A new look for a new era. Inspired by the Assassin's Creed Red reveal trailer, the new design prepare our audience for the future of the franchise, transporting players to Japan. We couldn't pick a favourite, so we let our Twitter community decide! Design 4 won and acts as inspiration for the more refined design. Look out for our interview with Thea Marie Rivedal (@ MoonChildGecko) over the coming weeks as we dive into the design process, and examine the inspirations behind the designs! Stay tuned here at The Ones Who Came Before for all things Assassin's Creed Red. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Thea Marie Rivedal is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan from rural Norway, who joined The Ones Who Came Before in 2019, jumping up to the Art Team later in 2022. Thea is a skilled digital, watercolour, and acrylic artist, also having a knack for graphic design, having designed many of the variants of the TOWCB logo/insignia. In the real world, Thea also holds a Masters degree in Archaeology from the University of Bergen, and is one of the few members of our team to have a big Assassin's Creed themed tattoo. Thea M. Rivedal

Mieke is a huge fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise, and is looking forward to creating regular content for the AC community as an online article writer. She has previously written articles for Cultured Vultures and currently runs an online gaming blog. By joining the program, Mieke will be able to write articles on a wide variety of topics for the community. Previous Next Writer Mieke Dix Previous Partner Mieke is a huge fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise, and is looking forward to creating regular content for the AC community as an online article writer. She has previously written articles for Cultured Vultures and currently runs an online gaming blog. By joining the program, Mieke will be able to write articles on a wide variety of topics for the community. Twitter | Gaming Blog Work

This Week in Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography: 2nd - 8th July 2022 Community Share 9 Jul 2022 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the new weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week, we will be picking our top 5 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. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for capture across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. 1) Goddess Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey This week’s first capture comes from @ dpruttz_vp a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. First up this week is a shot of Kassandra that feels completely out of place. I always expect to see bright sunlit captures from Odyssey. This however is a stunning shot that could easily be from snowy Norway. The use of white and gold is so striking, and the depth of field is perfect. I get the feel that someone is about to challenge our Misthios here. 2) Havi Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Photo number two comes from @ wo1fx7 over on Twitter. I think photo number two is the sort of portrait we all strive to achieve. It has unbelievable lighting, perfectly shining across Havi’s hood. The moody background adds to the foreboding feel of this Norse God. Credit has to be given for using that beard and avoiding clipping issues that can so easily destroy a shot. What I like the most is how this capture shows the amazing detail of that armour set, magnificent virtual photography. 3) Home Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey This week’s third shot comes from @ GirlWYellowEyes over on Twitter. Home is most definitely where the heart is and there is an abundance of heart in this capture. I feel like this shot is so creative, very outside of the box thinking. I actually cannot remember seeing this location in the game. I love the great touches in this photo, Ikaros circling the island, the ripples from the sea and the gorgeous white sand. Weirdly the whole thing makes me think of an iced gingerbread biscuit. This truly is a beautiful shot. 4) Ulster Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP number four comes from @ TheGamingNurseX a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. This moody capture is everything Valhalla is about. The wandering warrior, travelling across England and Ireland with dark clouds overhead. In search of the order who are hidden within enemy strongholds. It’s the little things that make this photo so remarkable, having the hood up showcases that excellent design on the back. The darkness around the edges which turns a simple tree into something more sinister. An awesome storytelling capture. 5) Siwa Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins The final capture of the week comes from @ KayJay1718 a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. Will Siwa ever know peace? Well from this capture you would never think there was anything else. This is saturation used to perfection, it showcases the desert and the palm trees in such a remarkable way. Bayek’s positioning is great, just emerging from the water. It’s fantastic that the birds have been captured in the sky adding to the feel. The star of the shot has to be the reflections. It is mirror imaginary at its absolute best. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Sounds of History - an original Assassin’s Creed inspired instrumental project by Gargudon Released Other Share 17 Jun 2023 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Back To Database We are pleased to announce that Sounds Of History, an original AC inspired instrumental project by Gargudon from TOWCB, is out now on music streaming platforms, alongside our YouTube channel with special ambient visualisers! Project Synopsis: A unique fan project, never really seen before in the Assassin’s Creed community, featuring five original tracks written, arranged and produced by Gargudon, each inspired by different AC games. A tribute to the soundtrack, to sneaking, fighting and free running throughout the years, and the composers behind them who have shaped the sound of the franchise. Team member Gargudon from TOWCB has worked extremely hard to produce songs inspired by the Assassin's Creed series and we are thrilled to finally be able to release them in full! Check them out below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLI3iAj5fPeArahq41K7sG5AK8WNYtYfJe&v=sE_BvKXXxEI https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLI3iAj5fPeArahq41K7sG5AK8WNYtYfJe&v=9BvoQA999lA https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLI3iAj5fPeArahq41K7sG5AK8WNYtYfJe&v=4O_TaFND4No https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLI3iAj5fPeArahq41K7sG5AK8WNYtYfJe&v=IkLRlX1M27o https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLI3iAj5fPeArahq41K7sG5AK8WNYtYfJe&v=qXK7GW_xllo Spotify Playlist comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 17th to 28th June Community Share 9 Jul 2024 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the biweekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program. Every two weeks we will be picking our top 5 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 theme has been run alongside @ UVioletra the fabulous interviewer for @ ThePhotoMode and @ NVIDIAGFN ambassador. Bianca has been a stalwart of the virtual photography community for some time now and can often be found brightening our day with colourful shots in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Bianca was also a winner in the 2023 Ubisoft photo mode competition. 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: Colourful Summer Vacation Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ _fallenmemory_ The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: @ UVioletra Bianca This photography beautifully captures the essence of grace and beauty. The delicate embrace of the vibrant purple flowers surrounding Kassandra provides a sense of comfort and tranquillity. Despite the visible scars on her body, Kassandra’s unwavering resilience and inner strength radiate through the image. Her serene smile conveys a profound sense of peace and acceptance. Aaron “Tell your boss he can stick it”. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is probably one of the most colourful in the series and despite the dark undertones of the story it often feels like a happy place. The decision to bring vibrance and humour to the story was brave, especially after the seriousness of Origins. This capture shows the more relaxed side of Kassandra, chilling out on the Greek islands. She is a ferocious warrior but has a heart of gold that has been captured beautifully here. I love how she has been framed by the vibrant flowers, and the choice of outfit makes it seem like Kassandra is on holiday. A truly excellent capture for this week’s theme. Temple of Sekhmet Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ summers458 “Let me tell you of him. The legend of Siwa”. The building designs in Assassin’s Creed Origins are incredibly detailed and serve to deliver us an immersive experience. The Temple of Sekhmet which is in Yamu by Lake Mareotis features early in the story as Bayek assists an old friend. This capture has a wonderful composition, showcasing the intricate designs of these awe-inspiring Egyptian structures. The hieroglyphics look amazing, it must have taken the developers ages to dive into this much detail. The colours on show are perfect for the theme adding brightness and joy to an already exceptional construction. Vibrance Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ ISnak3I “What a journey I have made”. Assassin’s Creed Origins was the first game to feature a photo mode and allows us to express ourselves in the historical playground of Egypt. It is often stated that the Assassin’s Creed games have a solid photo mode that features a decent number of parameters for us to edit our shots. You can see from this capture that allowing your creative side to take over can produce some radiant virtual photography. I adore how the saturation and contrast have been used here to great effect. The shot is really giving that sun drenched aura, making us feel like we are really there, in the heat of the desert. Sail Away Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ SuzuhaBlack “May the Hidden One walk beside you”. The decision to add a navel element to Assassin’s Creed Origins really opened the scope of the map. Not only does the land side of the map live and breath the lives of the people who inhabit it the sea does too. Having people fishing, military boats patrolling, and sea life stalking all adds to the experience. Nick has managed to take quite a remarkable shot of five boats sailing in a row. This must have taken some time to plan or been a huge slice of luck. Either way it is a compelling capture that looks visually stunning. I love the realism of the sea and the blue of the sky, and that inclusion of a camp fire gives us the sense we are sat there watching. Sunset Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ AkiraAoyama_VP “You promised you would bring him home”. Sunsets and beach walks are the cornerstones of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the sense of peace and tranquillity that can be found when in these locations is quite something. I feel like this is not a coincidence and has been developed to have this impact on the player. I don’t think you could wish for a better holiday vibe than this capture. Kassandra is clearly done with all the fighting and ready to put her feet up under that tree. The warmth in this shot is immense and I like how my eye is drawn to look at the sun setting. Once again, the theme has been met in a fantastic manner showing the range of colours in Assassin’s Creed. 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! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Best Quotes in Assassin's Creed Mirage Share Written By: Edited By: TOWCB Team Back To Database kgkhg ''I can be an Instrument that sees us out of this life.'' (Basim) ''I won't let the past define me. This is why I now consider myself to be the daughter of no one.'' (Roshan) comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author A collection of articles from The Ones Who Came Before team. TOWCB Team

The Memory Corridor Episode #22 Retrospective Look at Black Flag w/ Kyle Marvell Podcast Share 8 Sept 2022 Written By: Edited By: Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon) Back To Database https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_qzBr9kwcA comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Gustav / Gargudon is an active and versatile content creator, who started out in podcast hosting in 2016 - hosting the discussion based show “The Memory Corridor” - but today mostly specialises in video creation, interviews, writing and composing. He joined The Ones Who Came Before in 2019 for a merger, publishing new episodes - and reviving the show following nearly a year of inactivity - on our platforms, until phased out in 2023. Today, his landmark projects include the Sounds Of History project - an original Assassin’s Creed inspired instrumental music project, featuring five tracks inspired by as many different games - other original fan themes plus covers of iconic AC tracks, as well as video interviews with a number of high profile names in the world of AC, from Roger Craig Smith, Jesper Kyd and more. Fun fact, among his growing colourful tattoo collection, Gustav is the only member of our team to have the TOWCB logo inked. Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon)

New piece of Assassin's Creed Shadows Fanart Released by Yasmin Page Art Share 13 Jul 2024 Written By: Edited By: Yasmin Page TOWCB Team Back To Database Check out this brand new piece of fanart by our very own digital artist Yasmin Page from the AC Partnership Program! Inspired by a scene from the Assassin's Creed Shadows Official World Premiere Trailer, this new piece of fanart reflects the pain that Naoe experiences in the destruction of her village. She finds the strength to keep going, demonstrating great resilience and determination. As always, Yas has brought the character to life in a way that stays true to the source material, acting as a frozen moment in time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vovkzbtYBC8 We can't wait to share more art with the community throughout the marketing campaign! Until then, check our what our other team members have been up to in the Community Hub! Artist: Yasmin Page Yasmin is a Digital Artist based in Melbourne, Australia who discovered the Assassin's Creed series in 2019. Since then she has fallen in love with the franchise and created beautiful realistic digital artworks of several of the main characters. By joining TOWCB, we hope to introduce Yasmin to the AC Community by collaborating on a number of exciting projects such as art releases and podcasts. Instagram | ArtStation | Tumblr | Twitter comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Yasmin is a Digital Artist based in Melbourne, Australia who discovered the Assassin's Creed series in 2019. Since then she has fallen in love with the franchise and created beautiful realistic digital artworks of several of the main characters. By joining TOWCB, we hope to introduce Yasmin to the AC Community by collaborating on a number of exciting projects such as art releases and podcasts. Yasmin Page

HomeCon 2020: Bringing the Comic Con to your Home Events Share 12 Apr 2020 Written By: Edited By: Lisa Zaman Ashlea Blackett Back To Database What happens when the world goes into lockdown and comic cons around the world are postponed? The actor Paul Amos known as the voice of Jacob Frye from Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (also Lost Girl and The Murdoch Mysteries ) teamed up with his friend Rachel Skarsten (Lost Girl, Reign, Batwoman) to create their very own and unique, stay at home Comic-con, the aptly named HomeCon which debuted on April 10th-11th 2020. From the moment Paul Amos went live on Instagram on the 30th March and declared a new project he’d created alongside Rachel Skarsten, we knew he had something big up his sleeve and it would be a game changer. A few days later via Instagram Live HomeCon was announced and a comic con like no other had been born. With the world on lockdown and comic cons being postponed or cancelled left right and centre, Paul and Rachel had the genius idea to create HomeCon, as the name suggests a comic con at home. But how would it work? What would it entail? And who would be there? With everyone at home, HomeCon literally had a captive audience and with many of the voice actors in the same boat as the fans, they were available to participate. Like with any Comic-Con, there would be panels, Q&A’s and the chance to have 1to1’s with your favourite actor. So with less than two weeks Paul, Rachel and many other incredible people behind the scenes pulled an incredible feat and HomeCon was ready to go live. HomeCon would take part on April 10th and 11th. All panels would be live via Twitch and with a subscription of $4.99 (or free of you had an Amazon Prime account) you could view it all. HomeCon’s Social Media platforms ( Facebook ) informed us frequently with panel information and guests. As the HomeCon website went live, it provided fans with schedule’s and allowed them to book their 1to1 sessions. Of course, there were a few teething problems, as there always is with technology and the rapid interest in HomeCon meant that the website traffic sent it into a mini meltdown. With all new ventures, there were a few teething problems, but personally speaking I felt that the HomeCon support teams did a phenomenal job in handling issues prior and during the event. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/06e6c8_a83a1753302f4014a8faa2b1c77a72e5/480p/mp4/file.mp4 A few questioned the cost ($53 for 5 mins) for the 1to1, some feeling that they couldn’t justify the spend during these uncertain times, but as Paul explained very diplomatically that many actors had dedicated their time free of charge to be available and that 10% of proceeds were going to the charity First Responders First.What I felt was impressive it that they devised an almost perfect timetable, the different time zones taken into account, allowing those around the world to tune in.Day 1 started strong, with a live introduction and welcome by Rachel and Paul.Assassin’s Creed fans eagerly awaited the AC panel at 6pm BST. I noted as I tuned in to watch that over 26,000 people were watching. Suddenly all the familiar faces (or should that be voices) appeared on screen and the discussions began. I felt the moderator Ming Chen did a great job in keeping the pace and allowing each person to talk. However, as is the way with this incredible bunch of people, the conversation steered off course in the best possible way, usually led by Paul himself. It was great to see the interaction between them all, each one giving a little insight into their character and sharing anecdotes. As the hour long panel continued it was a joy to see fans sending questions and even communicating with one another as the message board scrolled furiously. Image source: Cas Anvar Before Day 1 came to an end, Paul popped back on to Instagram to send love and thanks to all involved and teased us with the hint that there could be a HomeCon 2.0. Victoria Atkin (Evie Frye) also hosted a quick Instagram live with Melissanthi Mahut (Kassandra), and then siblings Alexios and Kassandra did the same over on Michael Antonakos’s Instagram. It was evident at this point that everyone was having the best time and that HomeCon really was bringing everyone together. Day 2 and Assassin’s Creed was represented in the Motion Capture Panel which featured Elias Toufexis (Federico Auditore da Firenze - AC 2), Melissanthi Mahut (Kassandra - AC Odyssey) and Kris Holden-Ried (Crawford Starrick - AC Syndicate), alongside Greg Bryk (Joseph Seed - Far Cry 5) and Adam Croasdell (Ignis Scientia - Final Fantasy XV) The panel was insightful and again thoroughly amusing. Meanwhile remaining AC actors were busy meeting and greeting fans via the 1to1’s. I myself had the pleasure of talking with Victoria Atkin all whilst being photobombed constantly by my excited son! Image Source: Lisa Zaman As Day 2 drew to an end for the Assassins Creed fans, Michael Antonakos went live on Instagram with HomeCon’s co creator Paul, who we discovered, was sat in his shower with a beer and a box of kitty litter. Would we have expected anything less from the Welshman? As the conversation passed between the two it was obvious that there had been another lightbulb moment for Paul and that perhaps another HomeCon would focus solely on Assassin’s Creed.As HomeCon came to an end it became clear that it had been a great success. Not only in bringing excitement and entertainment to the fans at such a tumultuous time, but it allowed those who have been unable to participate in Comic cons previously (be it mentally, physically or simply geographically) to enjoy and embrace the atmosphere that so many of us cherish. Yes, it was a fabulously entertaining 2 days, but what I took away from this experience is, as Paul highlighted, it allowed us as humans, to connect with others, something that is so important in these current times. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Lisa is a talented portrait artist specialising in graphite work. Back in May 2018, she turned her attentions to the world of Assassin's Creed art, and began creating lifelike portraits of key characters. By joining the program, Lisa's work will be viewed by a larger number of community members, allowing her to build a captive audience. The partnership also means that we will be working closely with Lisa for upcoming art giveaways and competitions for the community. Lisa Zaman

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Music Fan Theme - The Wind Between The Cherry Trees - Available Now! Breakdown Share 27 Mar 2025 Written By: Edited By: Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon) TOWCB Team Back To Database Link to listen on Apple Music Link to listen on Spotify For a while now, we here at The Ones Who Came Before have been getting into the world of music, interviewing composers who have shaped the sound of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, covering iconic tracks, as well as writing our own original fan themes inspired by different instalments. This tradition of course continues with the newly released AC Shadows, hence we are excited to announce our newest original track inspired by the new game - The Wind Between The Cherry Trees - written, arranged and produced by Gargudon from the TOWCB team! This is an in depth look with the brains behind the track, at the process of how it came together, as well as some of the influences behind it. And of course, make sure to also check out the full track, available now wherever music is streamed! Track breakdown & writing process I had so much fun creating this new fan theme for the new instalment, at last heading to a fan favourite location over many years, 16th century Feudal Japan. Before I even started properly producing the track, I already had a very good idea of how I wanted it to sound, what elements I wanted to be at the forefront of it, and what ambiences and emotions I wanted to capture. The setting of the new game meant so many fun opportunities and possibilities for choice of sounds and instruments; I always knew I wanted emphasis on something very ambient and tranquil sounding, with lots of Japanese stringed and wind instruments. The opening and final sections of the track, are meant to capture the peace and tranquillity of the vast forests of Japan that can be explored in the game, filled with massive waterfalls, blue skies, diverse wildlife, and like the title suggests of course, blooming pink cherry trees, or as they call it in the native tongue, sakura. I feel like the prominent koto, fused with the ambient plucks and pads, perfectly captures these sceneries, and can serve as the soundtrack to meditating and or practicing katana moves on the highest mountain. In between these two sections though, is a perhaps slightly darker and more intense, yet also quite cinematic sounding interlude. I wanted this part to mainly centre around massive sounding percussion with big taiko drums, while also giving it an element of traditional African music, as an homage to Yasuke’s native background. My favourite part about this interlude section though, is easily the throat singing, a common ritual practiced throughout Southeast Asia. Recording those parts was also super fun and challenging in a good way, as it had me looking into different techniques, learning something new in the process. When I tracked them, my voice was also pretty rough, following a nasty round of sickness, which in the end may or may not have been an advantage, it then having a certain rawness to it. Track influences There was a number of different influences for the track, from things I’ve written myself earlier on, Jesper Kyd’s iconic AC soundtracks, to a couple of “normal” songs even and more. Two songs that were major influences, were actually these two by Nashville artists Alana Springsteen and Robyn Ottolini, “Look I like ” and “ House I Grew Up In ”. First of which I also did a super fun remix of it once, reusing a lot of elements, sounds and melodies for this new track. For songs labelled “Country”, both have a lot of sounds and ambiences you wouldn’t necessarily associate with the genre, having prominent sections with what sounds like a koto, or some other Eastern stringed instrument. Robyn’s song was a major influence for the first section, recreating certain sounds and vibes, and reusing the chord progression and koto melody. Alana’s (and my remix of) served as influence for the final section, also reusing the chord progression and a certain melody played on koto. Additionally I once again used the melody from my AC Unity inspired fan theme “French Highlands”, it being played on flute during the middle interlude. If a new version of Ezio’s Family can be written for almost every game, so can I reuse my own written themes. Of course I also turned to the master Jesper, using some ambient samples reminiscent of his legendary AC2 soundtrack, samples of birds singing and a waterfall to create a very lively soundscape and some realism, and of course as mentioned, throat singing, where a major inspiration was the loading screen music from another massive Ubisoft game, Far Cry 4, also set in a similar culture and part of the world. And that concludes this in-depth look at our newest original AC inspired musical fan theme! Once again, make sure to check out the full track, available wherever music is streamed, add it to your playlists, maybe even having it on in the background while exploring Japan! That and let us know what games you would like to see inspire future fan themes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7UNLimP0AQ comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Gustav / Gargudon is an active and versatile content creator, who started out in podcast hosting in 2016 - hosting the discussion based show “The Memory Corridor” - but today mostly specialises in video creation, interviews, writing and composing. He joined The Ones Who Came Before in 2019 for a merger, publishing new episodes - and reviving the show following nearly a year of inactivity - on our platforms, until phased out in 2023. Today, his landmark projects include the Sounds Of History project - an original Assassin’s Creed inspired instrumental music project, featuring five tracks inspired by as many different games - other original fan themes plus covers of iconic AC tracks, as well as video interviews with a number of high profile names in the world of AC, from Roger Craig Smith, Jesper Kyd and more. Fun fact, among his growing colourful tattoo collection, Gustav is the only member of our team to have the TOWCB logo inked. Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon)

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 18th to 29th November Community Share 17 Dec 2024 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Renzo Back To Database Welcome to the biweekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program. Every two weeks we will be picking our top 5 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 theme has been run alongside Malin (@ playpausephoto ) the queen of minimal VP. Malin is an established virtual photographer within the community, and her beautiful VP often catches the eye. She is also well known for her love of Red Dead Redemption 2 and is a member of the VPRT team. You can also find Malin hosting the @ VPMinimalism account with weekly spotlights on community members. Malin’s arrival in the Assassin’s Creed VP space has brought new and refreshing ideas which is a joy to see. 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 Minimal Free Running Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ WonDerNooB_VP & @ wondernoob.bsky.social The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: Malin Malin WonDerNoob went all in on the minimalism theme and presented so many fantastic photos. However, it was love at first sight with this one. The column is perfectly centered at the bottom of the image. Kassandra, positioned to the left, caught in her acrobatic act, invites the negative space from the right so beautifully. The soft blurred background blends perfectly with the sky and leaves all attention to the subject. The composition, together with the monochrome tones, creates a stunning minimalist photo worthy as capture of the theme. Aaron I cannot claim to be an expert at minimal photography, but Malin has taught me a thing or two over the years. I find it quite fascinating how well Assassin’s Creed virtual photography fits with the minimalistic approach. WonDerNoob has produced many fantastic photos since joining our community, but I agree with Malin that this particular shot is special. I love the negative space and how this capture could so easily be used as a phone wallpaper. The forward role in a hood atop a Greek column could not really be anymore Assassins Creed. This shot just takes me back to all those breath-taking CGI trailers of Assassin’s scrambling around on rooftops. Alignment Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ SpideyTwoShoes & @ edneyone.bsky.social Animal photography in Assassin’s Creed is extremely common but this shot is taking it to a whole new level. The way Ubisoft populates the worlds with nature really enriches the experience. This capture has a cheeky tone that is a reminder to us that VP should be fun. I adore that the bird is so wonderfully placed between the horns. The dark silhouette against the white background creates a playful and striking minimalist photo. The goat is clearly the Templar watching on as the Assassin prepares to strike. Jump In Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ cyriellevp.bsky.social Being able to dive into the water is taken for granted now but I still remember the days when characters could not swim. I think the addition of the sea to Assassin’s Creed furthers the expansion of the RPG formula. A minimalistic photo can create a sense of scale to the viewer. Here, we can clearly see how small Alexios is compared to the vast ocean he so bravely dives into. I find the blue tones add to the range with the waves ebbing and flowing in front of him. It just shows that for all his power and strength Alexios is but a small part of this beautiful Greek world. Leap of Faith Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ dlazdagaming & @ dlazda.bsky.social The leap of faith is so iconic to the series that it would have been a shame not to feature it here, especially as it lends itself perfectly to minimalism. The most sacred of rites to an Assassin, but not one of violence but of centring one’s mind. I feel minimalism is very much the definition of this. There is so much calm to be found in photography like this. What makes this photo stand out is the colours, the clean contrast and the generous amount of negative space. Bayek is always in need of meditation as the fight for vengeance takes its toll on him. I would like to think he is at peace in this moment. Bonds Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ AggzGaming Basim and Enkidu have such a bond in the beginning, and you sense it as the story develops. They are two silent predators, hunting for the kill. Here the beautiful composition emphasizes the strong bond between the two subjects, even when there is distance between them. Aggz did not hold back on the negative space, which I love about this photo. I find it fascinating how this shot works for their relationship both at the opening and the end. Basim’s mind is one of great complexity and I could definitely see him needing the healing power of minimalism to find his way back to the light. 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! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Interview with an Assassin - A Character Discussion with the Cast of The Resurrection Plot Interview Share 11 Jun 2023 Written By: Edited By: Michael Smith Back To Database Banner by Thea Marie Rivedal (Moonchildgecko) from TOWCB Art Team. *This interview with the characters of Assassin’s Creed The Resurrection Plot is not to be considered canonical. This is solely used as a recap of the previous book and a refresher of the two main characters Pierrette Arnaud and Simeon Price. This is Mike with The Ones Who Came Before, and I want to welcome our readers to what has to be the most unique Assassin's Creed interview that I have ever done. Today I am speaking not with the author of the new AC novel The Resurrection Plot , Kate Heartfield, (who we interviewed for her last book The Magus Conspiracy ) , but with her co-lead characters Pierrette Arnaud and Simeon Price! Welcome Pierrette and Simeon, how are you doing today? Pierrette: Ready for anything. Simeon: The leg’s acting up, and I’ve been travelling recently, so I’m glad to have this chance to sit and talk a bit. Without going into the end of your last adventure, how are you feeling traveling to 1869 Cairo? Simeon: Honestly, I’m just hoping to find out what the Templars are up to out in the desert – and perhaps, run into Pierrette while I’m in the area. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen each other, with one thing and another. Pierrette: I’ve made good friends in Cairo, and there’s so much energy and excitement among the Assassins here. It’s been good for me to leave England for a while, and France, well, things are looking uncertain in France at the moment. People say there could be war with Prussia. You both came to find each other through your mutual friend, Ada Lovelace. Can you tell us a bit about her and did you two find a friendship through knowing her mutually? Pierrette: I rescued her from ruffians one night, and she became my friend. She introduced me to many people: artists, writers, people I never would have met otherwise. And she gave me a purpose. I promised that after her death, I’d find the man who could help me make sure that her clever inventions did no harm. That man was Simeon. And while we haven’t always seen eye to eye – Simeon – you mean you haven’t always had things your way. Pierrette: I am grateful to Simeon for teaching me and introducing me to the Brotherhood of Assassins. Simeon: And I am grateful to Ada for the same reasons, although her notebook was the bane of our lives for years. We’ve finally put her legacy to rest now. You both came from unique backgrounds, Pierrette being an acrobat with the Aurora Equestrian Troupe, and you Simeon a former Lance-Corporal with the British Army. How would you compare your time with each to that with the Assassins Brotherhood? Simeon: I joined the army because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, something with purpose. But I soon found it impossible to be a soldier in that particular army and a man of conscience at the same time. As an Assassin, I am always answerable to myself, so long as I don’t harm innocents or the Brotherhood. Pierrette: In a way, it’s not so different from being a performer. We are all trying to achieve our best as individuals, when we’re riding a horse around an arena or swinging from a trapeze, but we rely on each other, and we teach each other. What are your views on the Brotherhood at the start of this new book? Do you feel like it has improved since you first joined? Pierrette: I’ll admit to some frustrations, but I’m so pleased about what some of our fellow Assassins have done lately in London. Simeon: There’s a real opportunity for the Brotherhood to find young people who are frustrated by the state of the world and teach them how to change it, in ways that won’t result in even more tyranny. I know the Brotherhood could help so many of them, and they could make us stronger, but it’s difficult to reach them, to get through. Everyone has to walk their own path. Mine is a lonely one these days, I admit, and I fail to reach these young people more often than I succeed. Coming back to your skill sets, Pierrette if I may, what is it about horses that made them such a focus for your troupe? Do you find that working with them is easier than working with people? Pierrette: A horse will always let you know where you stand. People are less honest. Simeon, I know you have gone through some difficult times since leaving the Army, are you finding the structure of the Brotherhood to be similar to your time with the military? Simeon: Perhaps it’s the bad memories from my time in the army that has caused me to strike out on my own a fair bit, even within the Brotherhood. But I do try my best to do my duty, to uphold the principles I’ve sworn to serve, and in that, it’s the same. It's been nearly two decades since we were first introduced to you both, how do you feel now as seasoned Assassins compared to then? Simeon: Sore. Pierrette: I’ve greatly enjoyed being able to work with more weapons. But I suppose I have a collection of ghosts, to go with my weapons. Regrets, I mean. Simeon: I never thought I’d hear you speak about regrets. Pierrette: Well, I’m not saying I have long lists of them. Perhaps … four. Simeon: Four regrets. Pierrette: Yes. Why, how many do you have? Simeon: I haven’t counted. More than four. Who would be the political figure that you feel you have the best relationship with? Pierrette: I’m looking forward to meeting Ismail Pasha, who’s the ruler of Egypt these days. He’s done something remarkable in creating the Suez Canal, and he seems to want to stand up to the imperial powers. Simeon: Speaking of standing up to power, I have some friends in Paris, writers and thinkers, who are trying to find better ways to live. For me, a smoky tavern with people like that in it is more exciting than a meeting with an emperor. Who’s the better fighter between the two of you? Simeon: Pierrette. Pierrette: Me. [laughs] In all seriousness, that’s very kind of you to say, Simeon, but I think it depends, wouldn’t you say? I’m better at the big picture: how to get from A to B most efficiently. Simeon: Even spectacularly, sometimes. Pierrette: Which has always been my weakness, as you’ve pointed out many times. You’re better at making sure it gets done quickly and quietly. Simeon, you were trained with a large amount of reading to help educate you better by your mentor Oscar Kane, which would you say was your favorite to read? Pierrette, you can answer as well if you like as we know Simeon trained you? Simeon: The book from Kane’s library that has stayed with me over the years is London Labour and the London Poor by Richard Mayhew. It’s a book that shows the world as it is, and treats every human being in it as worthy. Pierrette: I loved seeing the old combat manuals – Simeon will laugh, but I liked the illustrations, because they make the people of centuries ago seem just like us. Worried about where to put their feet and struggling to keep their guard up. Speaking of, how is Simeon as a mentor? And Pierrette as a mentee? Pierrette: He’s a better mentor than he realizes, but I don’t want it to go to his head. Simeon: Pierrette’s taught me more than I’ve taught her, I think, by being such a challenging student. Pierrette: Challenging? I beg your pardon? Simeon: Independent and unpredictable. Pierrette: Well, nobody wants a predictable Assassin. What do you want readers to know going into this new book? Are there any things you want to tease? Simeon: I think we’re all in for some surprises, but I’m looking forward to fighting side by side with Pierrette again. Pierrette: And I’m looking forward to being very inconvenient to the Templar Order. We thank you both for joining us today and we are looking forward to what is going to be a great entry and sequel for Assassin’s Creed fans to read. Assassin’s Creed The Resurrection Plot by Kate Heartfield, and published by Aconyte Books will release on July 4, 2023 on Global e-book and physically in the US. The UK can pick up the paperback on September 28, 2023. You can read our light spoiler review here and preorder the book here . comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Mike Smith is a collector of all things Assassin's Creed and a major supporter of transmedia who joined TOWCB as a writer from 2021 - 2024 With nearly a full library of Assassin's Creed media, his work explored the universe in order of Genetic Memory. Notably, his Assassin's Creed Timeline became an essential tool for fans of the franchise looking to complete their collection and consume AC media in a particular order. Michael Smith