Assassin's Creed Shadows Dev Talks Historical Context, Emotional Moments, and More
Assassin's Creed Shadows" Developer Discusses the Game's Rich Historical Setting, Emotional Storytelling, and How It All Comes Together for an Unforgettable Experience
The Assassin's Creed franchise is renowned for its immersive storytelling and stealth-based gameplay, offering players a deep dive into historical settings. The upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows continues this tradition, transporting players to the turbulent Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japan. In this game, players will experience the intertwining journeys of samurai Yasuke and shinobi Naoe, two characters whose contrasting paths shed light on themes of honor, family, and political conflict.
Game Rant sat down with Assassin's Creed Shadows Associate Narrative Director Brooke Davies to discuss the game's development, focusing on the challenges of portraying historical events, creating emotional moments, and the dual protagonists that offer unique perspectives on the story. This interview explores the deeper layers of the game's narrative, including the emotional depth and historical accuracy that make Assassin's Creed Shadows a truly standout experience.
Bringing Japan’s Warring States Period to Life
The Assassin's Creed series has always excelled at merging history with action, and Shadows is no exception. Set during Japan's Warring States period, the game places players in a complex political landscape filled with power struggles and shifting alliances. Davies explains that one of the most intriguing aspects of this setting is the abundance of factions and characters, all vying for control, which creates a rich backdrop for the game's story.
Q: In the preview, we were introduced to the main antagonist group. How do they compare to previous antagonistic forces in the series, like the Templars?
A: "Our antagonists are rooted in the political chaos of the Warring States period. This era has been rife with conflict for centuries, so we drew from the complexities of real-life figures and factions. Instead of focusing on a singular, overarching group like the Templars, we wanted to explore multiple, morally gray entities with their own agendas."
Exploring Emotional Choices and Consequences
One of the game's standout features is its emotional depth, particularly in how it presents moral dilemmas. Players will face pivotal decisions, such as whether to spare or eliminate targets, a concept that has been a defining element of the Assassin's Creed series.
Q: What was the inspiration behind allowing players to spare a "Templar" in the game?
A: "This moment was designed to make players reflect on the emotional complexity of their actions. The antagonist in question shows deep regret, particularly in his connection to his son. By giving players the choice, we wanted to allow them to process those emotions, whether they choose to forgive or deliver justice."
The game's prologue also contains some emotionally charged moments that set the tone for the entire narrative. The team worked closely with cinematic artists and animators to ensure these scenes resonate with players on a personal level.
Q: How does the narrative team collaborate with the cinematic team to enhance emotional moments?
A: "It’s all about understanding the heart of the story. We ask ourselves: What matters to these characters at this moment? Why do they feel this way? From there, the cinematic and animation teams bring those emotions to life. It's a team effort, and when everyone is aligned, those emotions really come through on screen."
Yasuke and Naoe: Dual Protagonists with Intertwined Paths
One of the unique elements of Assassin's Creed Shadows is its focus on dual protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. Yasuke is a historical figure, a former African slave who rose to prominence as a samurai under Oda Nobunaga, while Naoe is a fictional character, a daughter of a legendary shinobi. Their contrasting roles as samurai and shinobi give players two very different but connected perspectives on the story.
Q: What was it like writing for Yasuke, a historical figure with limited known details?
A: "It was both a challenge and a thrill. The key was to stay true to the spirit of Yasuke, while filling in the gaps with a narrative that felt grounded and authentic. We wanted his journey to feel meaningful, even if not every detail of his life is known. Similarly, Naoe, though fictional, needed to feel just as real and connected to the world around her."
The dynamic between Yasuke and Naoe is crucial to the story, with their personal journeys occasionally intersecting. The game explores how their different backgrounds influence their actions and relationships. Yasuke's service to Oda Nobunaga, the man responsible for the downfall of Naoe’s homeland, creates tension and opportunities for emotional exploration.
Q: How do the two protagonists’ perspectives contribute to the overall story?
A: "Yasuke and Naoe’s stories are deeply intertwined, and we use their differing viewpoints to showcase the complexity of this historical period. Yasuke’s connection to Nobunaga, a figure of both power and controversy, clashes with Naoe's tragic losses. As the story unfolds, players will see how these differences shape their actions and alliances."
A Game Rich in History and Emotion
Assassin's Creed Shadows is more than just a tale of stealth and combat—it is an emotionally charged narrative set against the backdrop of one of Japan's most tumultuous periods. By drawing on real history and creating complex, emotionally driven characters, the game offers a unique experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of working on the game?
A: "For me, it's been the chance to dive into history every day. The Warring States period is full of rich stories, and we’ve been able to bring that history to life in a way that’s both educational and emotionally engaging. I can't wait for players to experience this world for themselves."
As the game nears its release, Assassin's Creed Shadows promises to offer players not just action-packed gameplay, but a deep, emotional journey through one of Japan’s most defining historical moments. Fans will have the chance to step into the shoes of Yasuke and Naoe and explore the complexities of honor, loyalty, and legacy in a way only Assassin's Creed can deliver.