How Assassin’s Creed Changed Open-World Gaming Forever

November 30, 2024 Oblivion

Welcome Back To MovieAnimeX! Today we are going to talk about Assassin’s Creed Changed Open World Gaming. So without wasting any time let’s get started.

Introduction

(Featured Image and this image credit goes to: Ubisoft)

When Ubisoft released the first Assassin’s Creed in 2007, it revolutionized the gaming landscape. The franchise didn’t just redefine open-world gameplay; it set new standards for immersion, storytelling, and exploration. Over the years, Assassin’s Creed has evolved, influencing countless titles in the process. Here’s a deep dive into how this iconic series transformed the open-world genre forever.

The Birth of a New Era in Open-World Gaming

Before Assassin’s Creed, open-world games like GTA focused heavily on urban environments and linear storytelling. Assassin’s Creed introduced:

Historical Authenticity: Players could explore meticulously recreated cities like Jerusalem, Florence, and Paris, blending historical education with entertainment.
Vertical Exploration: Climbing towers to unlock regions on the map wasn’t just innovative; it became a staple mechanic, adopted by games like Far Cry and Horizon Zero Dawn.

Parkour and Freedom of Movement

The franchise redefined character movement in open-world games with its seamless parkour system. Scaling walls, leaping across rooftops, and diving into haystacks gave players unprecedented freedom. This system directly influenced later games such as Dying Light and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Side Quests That Felt Meaningful

Assassin’s Creed II and its successors enriched open-world gaming by introducing side quests tied to character development and world-building. Missions like Ezio’s family revenge arc added emotional depth, inspiring games like The Witcher 3 to focus on impactful side content.

Blending Stealth and Action

While stealth gameplay existed before Assassin’s Creed, the series blended it with open-world mechanics seamlessly. The concept of blending into crowds, assassinating targets, and strategic planning became iconic. Modern games like Ghost of Tsushima have drawn heavily from this formula.

A Living, Breathing World

From bustling marketplaces to dynamic NPC interactions, Assassin’s Creed brought open-worlds to life. Whether it’s a random thief being chased or citizens reacting to your actions, the games made players feel like part of a living world. This philosophy continues to inspire franchises like Red Dead Redemption.

A Legacy of Storytelling

The Animus storyline provided a unique sci-fi twist to historical narratives, proving that open-world games could have complex, multi-layered plots. The Desmond Miles saga set a benchmark for merging main narratives with overarching meta-stories, which inspired games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Forbidden West.

The RPG Evolution

With titles like Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, the series embraced RPG elements, forever changing the way open-world games approached player progression. Skill trees, dialogue options, and crafting systems became integral features across the gaming industry.

Cultural Representation

Each installment showcases diverse cultures, highlighting historical periods rarely explored in mainstream media. This approach influenced other games to embrace cultural storytelling, seen in Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Impact on the Industry

Assassin’s Creed has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, inspiring countless developers to think bigger, create better, and aim higher. The series has left an indelible mark on the gaming world, proving that open-world games can be more than just expansive maps—they can be immersive experiences that stay with players long after they’ve put down the controller.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed didn’t just change open-world gaming; it elevated it to an art form. From its pioneering parkour mechanics to its rich storytelling, the franchise has reshaped the genre for generations. As new games continue to innovate, one thing is certain: Assassin’s Creed will forever be remembered as the series that defined what open-world gaming could achieve.