What if India was the setting for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game? In this in-depth analysis, discover the ideal fusion of empire, espionage, and hidden blades.
OVERVIEW
- Early colonial India in the 1500s and 1600s offers a fresh backdrop for an Assassin’s Creed game. It is rich with imperial grandeur and cultural conflict.
- The game might have a captivating Indian protagonist and concentrate on espionage, diplomacy, and stealth.
- India should have a mainline, fully realized entry, even though Ubisoft has previously struggled with representation.
The Assassin’s Creed series from Ubisoft has taken us on a global historical rollercoaster. We’ve explored the sun-scorched sands of Egypt and the foggy mountain shrines of feudal Japan. Through the hidden blade, we’ve walked with pharaohs, plotted with Roman senators, and even fought the Pope.
India, however, is still missing from the franchise’s ever-growing map. This land has seen colonial conflict, spies, empires, and deep spiritual philosophy. It’s more than ready for its own Assassin’s Creed title. Now that we’ve explored the long-awaited Japan, the next leap of faith should be distinctly Indian.
In early Colonial India, empire, intrigue, and intruders: Assassin’s Creed
Let’s set the scene: the Mughal Empire was at its height in the middle of the 1500s to the beginning of the 1600s. Betrayal, philosophy, and politics abound in the opulent courts of Jahangir and Akbar. However, the shadows are becoming more dense.
The Portuguese, Dutch, and British were the first European powers to arrive, bringing silver, smiles, and shrewd intentions. They set up trade posts across India’s many kingdoms, whispered in royal ears, and waited to exploit weaknesses.
As the Brotherhood expands in the East, an assassin might serve as a spy or advisor in the Mughal court. They would navigate deadly court politics while hunting a hidden order of Templars hiding among corrupt nobles and colonizers.
Imagine sneaking through crowded alleys in Surat. Follow Templars along the lush Keralan coast. Explore the colonial trading ports of Goa. Then navigate the red sandstone corridors of Fatehpur Sikri.
All this is done to gather intel on Templars working with European trading companies to manipulate India using Pieces of Eden. The Brotherhood fights back, allying with progressive Mughal intellectuals who seek liberty and balance.
This game might focus more on diplomacy, stealth, and political maneuvering—an Assassin’s mainstay—than war-torn games like AC Unity. India is currently a cosmopolitan country where local practices, Islamic, Hindu, Persian, and European ideas coexist and clash.
This can be skillfully incorporated into moral decisions, missions, and character interactions. Add a charming Indian Assassin and a few Hidden Blades. You’ve created a masterwork.
The history of Ubisoft (and India)
Let’s face it, Ubisoft has a mixed track record when it comes to historical accuracy. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a prime example; although the in-game Japan is beautiful and culturally diverse. The protagonist’s choice raised legitimate concerns about representation and authenticity.
Ubisoft has explored Indian themes before. Far Cry 4’s Himalayan setting, inspired by Nepal and Northern India, featured Ajay Ghale—one of the rare Indian heroes in AAA games—though he was mostly silent.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India is a stunning 2.5D side-scroller starring Arbaaz Mir. But honestly, it wasn’t the full mainline Assassin’s Creed experience. Telling compelling, authentic stories matters more than just ticking representation boxes.
Real historical personalities, revolutionaries, visionaries, and villains abound in India and could all contribute to a complex and nuanced narrative. After Shadows, Ubisoft takes us to the East once more. In the land of empires, let us run across palaces, pursue European spies in moonlit ports, and struggle for liberty.