Summary
For the first seven years ofAssassin’s Creed’s life, it seemed like the series' narrative was headed in a clear, reasonable direction. Justlike current-eraAssassin’s Creed, the first five games in the series are built around the modern-day narrative framing device, wherein underachiever Desmond Miles explores the memories of three of his ancestors: Altair Ibn-La’Ahad, Ezio Auditore, and Connor Kenway.
Along the way, Desmond transforms from something of a slacker into a master assassin, thanks to the “bleeding effect” of the Animus, aMatrix-esque process of learning abilities through the simulated reality of his ancestors. OnceAssassin’s Creed 2introduced the idea of Desmond becoming an assassin in the real world, it seemed inevitable that the series would culminate in an epic finale starring Desmond and Desmond alone, wielding all of his newfound abilities in the modern day. For better or worse, this didn’t end up happening, as Desmond sacrifices himself at the end ofAC3, effectively removing himself from the overarchingAssassin’s Creedplot.
Assassin’s Creed Valhallareveals that Desmond’s consciousnesshas been kept alive within The Grey, a computer simulation created by the Isu. Desmond’s successor, protagonist Layla Hassan, also winds up in The Grey at the end ofValhalla.
The Story of Desmond’s Departure from Assassin’s Creed
Ubisoft Wanted More Out of Assassin’s Creed
Ahead ofAssassin’s Creed 3’s launch, the game’s creative lead Alex Hutchingson stated that it was time for the series to move on from Desmond, explaining that “[t]hings that go on too long lack resonance. We’re asking people to remember seven years' worth of story.“Hutchingson would go on to explain Ubisoft’s visionfor the future ofAssassin’s Creed, likening the series to classic anthology TV showThe Twilight Zoneand the episodic, arc-focusedStar Trek. Over a decade after these statements were made, withAssassin’s Creedclearly defined as an anthology series, it’s clear that this vision has been realized.
Desmond Stood In the Way of Assassin’s Creed’s Future
While there could have perhaps been a way to move forward with the anthology approach while keeping Desmond at the helm—he was at the center of three different historical assassins' stories, after all—things are undeniably easier with him out of the way. The Ezio trilogy is fondly remembered, but modernAssassin’s Creedgames don’t get direct sequels, as this would limit what the franchise can do with new characters, settings, etc. Were Desmond to stay in the role of the hero all these years later, Ubisoft would have to keep devising narrative justifications to keep him around. Plus, with his story seemingly headed in the direction of him becoming a real-world assassin, it would be difficult to keep implementing new historical backdrops, thus complicating the main draw of the franchise.
The Cost of Cutting Desmond from Assassin’s Creed
Ending Desmond’s story inAssassin’s Creed 3allowed the franchise to introduce all-new settings and historical stories, but it also shot the modern-day plot in the foot. When Desmond was alive, the modern-day story was heading in a clear, intriguing, and definitive direction: Desmond would take the fight to the Templars in the real world, perhaps in his own game thatadaptsAssassin’s Creedgameplay to contemporary settings. Whether this would have been a good thing is another question entirely, but it would certainly be a bold step for the franchise and a fitting conclusion to the modern-day storyline.
Today, the non-Animus plot ofAssassin’s Creedis a little directionless, with each new release essentially kicking the can down the road, attempting to retain some semblance of narrative continuity between releases. For fans that never wantAssassin’s Creedto end, this is great, but for those hoping for a satisfying end to a story that began back in 2007, it can feel frustrating and disappointing.
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin’s Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin’s Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin’s caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
