The move to a new hero and setting will also come with a major overhaul to remove feature bloat in the new Assassin’s Creed, creative director Alex Hutchinson revealed at GDC. He named immediacy as “a big problem for us on AC3 actually, and the franchise in general,” as part of the larger theme of the talk, Designing Games to Sell.
“It’s a hugely complicated game, it has many different features, it’s a long game, getting people up to speed as quickly as possible is a big challenge. We know we have a learning curve, we know we need to introduce a lot of new mechanics, so what we looked at was reducing the time to assassinate. In AC3, we promise you that within 30 seconds of putting the disc in the tray, you will in fact be assassinating someone. That’s a promise.”
Streamlining the Experience
The decision to streamline the game is not just about making it more accessible to new players, but also about refining the experience for long-time fans. Over the years, the Assassin’s Creed series has accumulated a plethora of features, some of which have become redundant or overly complex. By focusing on the core elements that make the game enjoyable, the developers aim to create a more cohesive and engaging experience. This means cutting down on unnecessary side quests, simplifying the user interface, and ensuring that every feature serves a purpose in the overall gameplay.
For example, in previous installments, players often found themselves bogged down by an overwhelming number of collectibles and side missions that detracted from the main storyline. By reducing these elements, the game can maintain a tighter narrative focus, allowing players to immerse themselves more fully in the world and the story being told.
New Hero, New Setting
The introduction of a new hero and setting also provides an opportunity to refresh the series. Each new protagonist brings their own unique skills, background, and perspective, which can significantly alter the gameplay dynamics. The new setting, whether it be a different historical period or a new geographical location, offers fresh environments and challenges for players to explore.
In Assassin’s Creed III, the shift to the American Revolutionary War era introduced new mechanics such as naval combat and wilderness exploration. These additions not only enriched the gameplay but also provided a fresh context for the series’ ongoing narrative about the conflict between Assassins and Templars. Similarly, future installments can leverage new settings to introduce innovative gameplay elements while staying true to the core principles of the franchise.
Moreover, the new hero’s personal story and motivations can add depth to the overarching plot. In AC3, Connor’s journey from a young Mohawk warrior to a key player in the revolution added emotional weight to the historical events unfolding around him. This blend of personal and historical storytelling is a hallmark of the series and something that the developers are keen to continue.
The move to a new hero and setting, coupled with a major overhaul to remove feature bloat, represents a significant step forward for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. By focusing on immediacy and streamlining the experience, the developers aim to create a game that is both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for long-time fans. The promise of being able to assassinate someone within 30 seconds of starting the game is a bold statement, but one that underscores the team’s commitment to delivering a more focused and engaging experience.
Source Eurogamer
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