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Assassin's Creed 3 creative director doesn't dislike your ideas that much, Internet
Despite Assassin's Creed 3 creative lead Alex Hutchinson's recent fighting words with the internet over its "boring" ideas for potential AC settings, he told us this morning that he still loves you. Or something like that. "It's part of a bigger discussion. Obviously any setting is potentially awesome," he said in a brief PAX East show floor followup. "The point we were making was that some settings are more familiar in video games than other settings. And the two particular ones that were mentioned are very familiar video game settings."Hutchinson is referring to both the World War II and Feudal Japan ideas brought up during an interview with OXM recently. "The exciting thing is that the game can go anywhere," Hutchinson said. "We've had versions of the assassin ... people have thrown ideas around for probably literally any setting that people would think of. But when you get right down to it – when we're doing the actual nitty gritty of spending the time on it, spending a couple years making something – we wanna go to a setting that other games haven't gone to." As for the aforementioned pair of settings? "We're trying to find places that will surprise people."And Hutchinson doesn't want you to hate him, internet. He also spoke to his statements regarding net denizens coming up with "the most boring settings" for future AC games. "If people think they have the worst ideas, I apologize for that," he told us. "But really, they're very predictable. The internet is not the place for insight, unfortunately," Hutchinson added with a laugh.As for recent news that AC3 will be Desmond's biggest outing yet, Hutchinson said, "There's a big opportunity when the real timeline crosses the fictional timeline. Like, this is a fun idea. So there's stuff that we have to deal with. We feel like it's about time to pay off the people who've been sticking with the franchise for a long time." When asked if this would be Desmond's last appearance in the series, Ubisoft PR assassins jumped in and said, "I think people are gonna be entertained by it." We're not sure what that means either, but we'll be sure to keep asking.
Assassin's Creed 3 creative director doesn't like your ideas, Internet
The creative director for Assassin's Creed 3 thinks your ideas are stupid and you should just shut up already. Really, that's not even very paraphrased."People on the internet suggest the most boring settings," Alex Hutchinson told OXM. "The three most wanted are WWII, feudal Japan and Egypt. They're kind of the three worst settings for an AC game."Assassin's Creed 3 writer Corey May really wants to do India, and Hutchinson agrees, saying "I would too. I'd really love to do the Raj."The moral of the story is: Don't expect an Assassin's Creed title in WWII, feudal Japan or Egypt settings, ever. Also, shut up.
Assassin's Creed 3 follows Desmond more than ever
Lead writer Matt Turner says Assassin's Creed 3 will feature more Desmond than ever before, and more present-day events than in any past installment. "All I can say about Desmond's story is you're going to experience more Desmond than you've ever had before," he said. "We're spending more time on the present than we have in past games."Though Ubisoft has only given us a glimpse at new historical protagonist Connor Kenway so far, Desmond will play "a big part of our story," Turner assures CVG.We were able to spend some time with Assassin's Creed 3 at a recent event, learning about the numerous development teams, its colonial American setting and why you won't explore one of old America's most significant cities, Philadelphia.
Assassin's Creed 3 pre-orders set to break Ubisoft records
Ubisoft sent out a press release today boasting massive pre-order numbers for Assassin's Creed 3, stating it's on track to be the highest pre-ordered game in the company's history.Ubisoft claims pre-orders for Assassin's Creed 3 in its first three weeks reached ten times the pre-order numbers earned by Assassin's Creed Revelations in the same stint. People must really be pumped to do some virtual canoeing.By E3, which takes place June 5 to 7 in LA, Ubisoft expects pre-orders to exceed total life-to-date pre-orders for Assassin's Creed Revelations in the US, the current Ubisoft record holder. The franchise isn't showing any signs of slowdown, even though Revelations was met with reserved critical reception.
Assassin's Creed 3 special editions bound for Europe
The old country will receive three different Assassin's Creed 3 special editions when the game is launched this October: the "Freedom Edition," the "Join or Die Edition," and the comparatively mundane "Special Edition."According to IGN, The Freedom Edition will be £79.99 on consoles (£59.99 on PC) and feature a 9-inch Connor figure, George Washington's notebook, special lithograph, a pair of single-player missions and a multiplayer pack. The £64.99 (£34.99 on PC) Join or Die Edition will include one of the single-player missions, along with the multiplayer pack and GW's notebook, plus a medallion. Finally, the Special Edition will have an exclusive single-player mission called "A Dangerous Secret" and an unlocked Flintlock Musket.Ubisoft informed us "these collector's editions are exclusive to Europe," so what North America will get is still a mystery hidden deep inside the marketing Animus.%Gallery-151583%
Assassin's Creed 3 for Wii U puts the Animus, weapons in your hands
In Assassin's Creed 3, the Wii U's WiiPad will act as a link to the Animus, providing players a constant map and navigation tool, and displaying Animus database updates on the touchscreen without interrupting the main game, NintenGen reports, via the latest issue of Nintendo Gamer. The Wii U's Animus integration will also provide character bios and act as an encyclopedia for the game's goings-on, making fact-checks for historical accuracy easier than ever. The above trailer isn't specific to the Wii U, but does show off some character and weapon descriptions that the Wii U is purported to support.The Wii U will provide weapon-selection options, meaning the switch between dual-wielding and single-weapon combat will be a one-touch process. The WiiPad screen will also be an alternate view for Eagle Vision, allowing players to move the controller itself to search their surroundings.Today we have a heap of new Assassin's Creed 3 information for your eagle eyes to devour; scavenge for the good bits right here.
Building a Revolution: The four teams behind Assassin's Creed 3
Ubisoft Montreal is kind of a big deal. Since being established in 1997, the company's first North American studio has been home to some of the biggest franchises in Ubisoft's entire portfolio: Splinter Cell, multiple Prince of Persia reboots, and Assassin's Creed.Ever since Ubisoft Montreal's Assassin's Creed 2 introduced Ezio Auditore in 2009, the number of studios working on the franchise alone has increased dramatically. For 2010's Brotherhood, four additional studios signed on for support: Singapore, Bucharest, Québec City, and Annecy. For 2011's Revelations, yet another was added (Ubisoft Massive), putting the total at six.For this year's Assassin's Creed 3, the army of studios has been restructured to four: Montreal, Annecy, Quebéc City, and Singapore."Annecy is still doing an evolution of the multiplayer," Creative director Alex Hutchinson explained to Joystiq. As we already know, Ubisoft Annecy is working on some form of -- potentially co-op -- multiplayer."There're a few things that are being done in the Québec studio. So there's an evolution there," he said. Despite prodding, he wouldn't reveal what specifically that tease meant. "We cannot talk about specifically what they are working on." The Québec studio assisted with level design (among other things) in the past two Assassin's Creed titles.Even though an army is attached to Assassin's Creed 3, it's Montreal that has been focused on the project for the past two and a half years. "80 percent of our team have come through from AC1, AC2. A lot of them didn't do ACB or ACR 'cause they were working on AC3," Hutchinson said. "The turnover has actually been scarily low for a franchise that's been going for seven years. You still have the same lead writer who wrote the first words on AC1, you have the same guy doing the navigation that did AC1.""At its core," Hutchinson said, "it is a Ubisoft Montreal game." He told us, "The thing with other studios is that they have different skill sets. At the end of the day, it's what makes it sometimes harder to manage the game, but it also makes the game richer." It's a formula that, thus far, has worked astonishingly well for Ubisoft. We'll find out if the company strikes gold once more this October when Assassin's Creed 3 launches.
Assassin's Creed 3's displaced main city: Philadelphia
There are three main "cities" in Assassin's Creed 3: Boston, New York, and "The Frontier." Notoriously absent from that list is a city that I considered to be a lock in the Revolutionary War-based title – my beloved Philadelphia. Having spent six years of my life in Will Smith's place of birth, I hoped for a chance to explore its auspicious beginnings with a hidden blade. It also makes perfect sense for inclusion, given its history as the heart of the American Revolution. So why isn't it included?Though the oft-neglected city was planned early on for open world exploration in the game, creative director Alex Hutchinson told me it was eventually cut for gameplay reasons."When we started out, Philly was one of the cities that we wanted to do. In the end, we decided against it, 'cause when we mocked it up – as you know, being from Philly, it's an architecturally designed city, so it's on a grid. Which at first we thought would be cool – the first city in AC to be designed on a grid – and then you realize ..." Hutchinson said. His colleague picked up after him."Well it's on a grid and it's flat, and the avenues are super large. So that's like three things that made us say it doesn't work in an open world." Indeed, Philadelphia was architecturally laid out as a grid by Pennsylvania's first governor William Penn, modeled after European cities of the time.But even the large avenues and rigid layout couldn't keep AC3 from Philly. "That said, there are key events that take place in Philadelphia," Hutchinson assured me. As for nods to everyone's favorite fresh prince during said events, we'll have to wait until October to find out.[Image credit: Flickr user 'bengrey']
Assassin's Creed 3: Rebuilding a series during the birth of a nation
Back in late 2009, creative director Alex Hutchinson and a handful of others started drawing up plans for what would become Assassin's Creed 3. In those two years, the team rethought core elements of the series: cities, combat, and the franchise's signature "free running" mechanic. Even the engine, Anvil, was examined and updated (now dubbed "AnvilNext").But before all of that, Hutchinson needed a setting and a character. He wouldn't tell us why or how he settled on the American Revolution (nor would he say what other ideas came up), but he did explain why he believes it'll be a success. "We really believe this is the strongest setting so far in an AC game. Why? Because we think it's the most relevant setting," he said during a group presentation. "This is the birth of the nation. But even for other countries, especially in Europe, it's a key historical event."By the way, for all his U.S pride, Hutchinson is an Aussie and he lives in Canada. We assume he's spent a lot of time watching Independence Day.%Gallery-151408%
Assassin's Creed 3 screens leak (again)
A lot of red coats gave their lives for you to enjoy these new Assassin's Creed 3 screens, which leaked today on NeoGAF. But more important than the stylish slaughter of soldiers is canoeing. You can totally ride in a canoe!%Gallery-151313%
Assassin's Creed 3 multiplayer comes from old studio, new lead designer
Assassin's Creed 3 is getting the multiplayer treatment from Ubisoft Annecy, the studio responsible for multiplayer modes in Revelations and Brotherhood, an update on veteran designer Tim Browne's Twitter page reads. Browne's profile says "Lead Game Designer on Assassin's Creed III Multiplayer @Ubisoft - Annecy," which leaves little to the imagination (scandalous).The multiplayer aspect of AC3 remains relatively vague, apart from the "Online co-op 2-4" feature removed from the title's XBLM listing, and the "Online multiplayer 2-8" one that is still there. A few of Browne's shipments included local and online co-op modes, including Operation Flashpoint: Red River and Dragon Rising, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. He has no previous involvement with Assassin's Creed franchise.An old studio with a fresh face -- Ubisoft is sending us mixed signals about its multiplayer mode, and dang it if we're not falling for the tease all over again.
Assassin's Creed 3's gorgeous pre-order bonus at GameStop
Assassin's Creed 3 is still a long ways off -- we know, we know. GameStop is more than happy to take your pre-order cash early, of course, but the retailer is also offering the very pretty placeholder box seen above and in our gallery below. Not too shabby!
Assassin's Creed 3 four-player co-op listed by XBL Marketplace
The Xbox Live Marketplace's listing for Assassin's Creed 3 briefly counted "Online co-op 2 - 4" among the game's various features, as well as "Online multiplayer 2 - 8." While the online multiplayer classification remains, the co-op listing has since been removed from both the European and North American Xbox Live Marketplace.Situations like this are tricky, because the Xbox Live Marketplace has been known to list some patently false information. At times, however, it can be right on the money, so we're bringing it your attention. While multiplayer is nothing new at this point for Assassin's Creed, campaign co-op would be a major addition to the franchise.
Assassin's Creed 3 headed to Wii U, first trailer released
Ubisoft has officially revealed the first real details on Assassin's Creed 3. First of all, in addition to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, the game is headed to the Wii U. The new protagonist is named Ratohnhaké:ton and is "of Native American and English heritage." He has also adopted the name Connor, much to the relief of copy editors everywhere.As reported, the game does take place during the American Revolution and "spans the Revolutionary War, taking gamers from the vibrant, untamed frontier to bustling colonial towns and the intense, chaotic battlefields where George Washington's Continental Army clashed with the imposing British Army." More details are promised in the April issue of Game Informer.Assassin's Creed 3 is built on an entirely new engine called Ubisoft-AnvilNext, which promises "breakthroughs in visual quality, character models and artificial intelligence." Finally, a special limited edition case -- which looks awfully familiar -- will be given to those who pre-order AC3 through GameStop, Best Buy or Amazon. Check out the debut trailer above and see the limited edition case in the gallery below.%Gallery-149215%
Official Assassin's Creed 3 site begins snowy countdown [update]
The official Assassin's Creed 3 website has begun a rather short and mysterious countdown, set to expire in a little under two days, which also happens to be when the 2012 Game Developers Conference begins.The countdown hovers in front of a snow-covered field, potentially of the "battle" variety, which is stylistically consistent with the terrain and locations seen in the purported screenshots that leaked yesterday. By the time the clock reaches zero, we expect this field to be filled with soldiers in formation, lead by a cowled assassin riding a moose, armed with a smaller, wrist-mounted moose.Update: The countdown has finished, revealing a new trailer and a Wii U version, among other tidbits! [Thanks, Brian!]
Rumor: Assassin's Creed 3 screens leaked
Four screenshots claiming to be from Assassin's Creed 3 have surfaced on Reddit, and while we haven't been able to completely verify their legitimacy, they looked convincing enough for us to pass along to you, our dear readers. You're invited to draw your own conclusions, but from where we're sitting they sure as hell look like the real deal.Is our new assassin hunting that moose? What role in the revolution does that dog play? Why is that dude standing like Napoleon? Is he having his portrait painted? Why doesn't the painter see the assassin running up with his series-branded tomahawk? These are the questions.%Gallery-149323%
Assassin's Creed 3 boxart officially posted by Ubisoft
Tired of the dripping noise of Assassin's Creed 3 leaks, Ubisoft is turning on the faucet and has officially revealed the cover art for Assassin's Creed 3.Details are still tight on the game, but from leaked images we've gathered some details. The game, obviously, will be set during the time of the American Revolution. Weapons will include a bow, gun and tomahawk, with the hatchet blade carved like the assassin's crest. Also, the protagonist, who wears items of Native American heritage, features a bald eagle on the beak of his cowl. Game Informer has also come out to confess that the game is its April cover story.Assassin's Creed 3 leaps into stores on October 30.%Gallery-149215%
More Assassin's Creed 3 leakage, this time from Game Informer
Drip, drip, drip. The Assassin's Creed 3 leaks hinting the latest game is set during the American Revolution keep on coming. The latest droplet comes from Game Informer (since pulled), which appeared to be a banner ad for an upcoming hub. Those hubs are usually tied to cover reveals, so go ahead and take a wild stab at what next month's issue features.Posted on NeoGaf, the image shows the recently revealed protagonist of Assassin's Creed 3 in the iconic painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware. The image looks quite legit. You know, as a piece of marketing, we doubt the actual painting has been changed. Somebody's checked that, right?
Rumor: Assassin's Creed 3 takes place during American Revolution, stars Native American [update]
According to promotional art images snagged by a Best Buy employee, Ubisoft's next entry in the Assassin's Creed series will take place during the American Revolution. The image [via Kotaku] features an assassin in front of the original Continental flag.The hero appears to be Native American, but it's unclear. According to the source, the supposed star of Assassin's Creed 3 carries a tomahawk in one of his his unseen hands.Ubisoft had previously announced Assassin's Creed 3 was due to hit store shelves by the end of October.Update: The complete image can be seen after the jump, complete with the Assassin's Creed symbol used as the blade of the tomahawk!
Assassin's Creed 3 arrives on October 30
What is Assassin's Creed 3? Beyond a name and a distant release date (October 30), we don't have a damn clue. But that was all the information given today during an Ubisoft financials call hosted by company head Yves Guillemot. "Assassin's Creed 3 is the true next generation of both the Assassin's Creed brand and interactive entertainment/storytelling in general," Guillemot said of the game.He went on to say that Ubi is investing in AC3 more than any past title in the franchise, and that he expects it to sell beyond the 7 million racked up by Revelations. The game has apparently been in development for three years according to Guillemot, which we're hoping means it's not set in Italy again. No other details were offered for now, and Guillemot added that we'll hear more about the game in the coming months.We can guess that the upcoming game likely won't feature series star Ezio Auditore, as Ubi has claimed his trilogy is over. And it looks like this game will likely conclude the current story arc. Oh, and it's also possible that this is heading to Wii U, given that there's some form of AC title in the works for Nintendo's Wii successor. But that's all we got. We swear.
