The Unexpected Connection: Unveiling the Surprising Similarities Between Assassin's Creed and the MCU

Highlights

Assassin's Creed games have transformed from constrained urban environments to sprawling RPGs, much like the evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Both franchises employ a strategy of frequent releases, with new installments hitting the market almost every year. This not only ensures constant visibility among the public but also ignites anticipation and enthusiasm within the fan community.

The storylines of both Assassin's Creed and the MCU skillfully combine fantasy and science-fiction elements, resulting in a captivating world filled with enchantment and awe-inspiring spectacles. The franchises present us with unforgettable characters who serve as symbols of inspiration, possessing remarkable abilities and unique qualities. Additionally, these franchises cleverly incorporate crossover content and mark significant milestones with key releases.

The Assassin's Creed franchise has undergone significant changes since its initial release in 2007. With the introduction of Assassin's Creed Mirage, the series' identity has been transformed. Interestingly, the current state of the franchise shares similarities with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, for both better and worse.

As one of the most popular gaming series globally, Assassin's Creed games bear the weight of high expectations. Players anticipate engaging historical action fantasies with cutting-edge graphics, vast amounts of content, and a coherent narrative that spans numerous games. The franchise's recent era has seen a shift towards sprawling RPG gameplay, abandoning the previously confined urban settings of cities like Florence and Paris in favor of lush landscapes, abundant loot, and an emphasis on character progression and stats. With each new Assassin's Creed release, more parallels are drawn between the series and other prominent pop culture entities.

Assassin's Creed and the MCU Have Similar Release Strategies

While there are differences in releasing films and games, Ubisoft's method of releasing Assassin's Creed entries bears similarities to how Disney handles the MCU. Both franchises consistently bring out new installments, with very few exceptions, almost every year. This constant flow of releases generates speculation about the underlying motivations, but it undeniably creates a similar atmosphere between the two franchises.

The high-volume strategy has sparked controversy among Assassin's Creed fans, who argue that it often results in rushed and fatigued games. However, from Ubisoft's perspective, this approach has proven beneficial as it keeps the IP in the public eye for extended periods and maintains the games industry's attention. This echoes the MCU's strategy of releasing numerous movies and TV shows in close succession.

Releasing a new game each year has also compelled the Assassin's Creed franchise to adapt. When Assassin's Creed Unity, despite having an abundance of content, was poorly received, some fans were considering abandoning the franchise, or at least that was the perception from Ubisoft. The negative impact on the series' reputation arguably played a significant role in the drastic shift Assassin's Creed underwent, transforming into a more conventional RPG franchise, commencing with Assassin's Creed Origins. The MCU has also made modifications and incorporated specific elements, such as tone and hidden surprises, in response to fan suggestions or demands—possibilities facilitated by the structured, annual release schedule of movies and TV shows.

The Story of Assassin's Creed is Like the MCU's

Assassin's Creed weaves together elements of fantasy and science fiction to construct a captivating world filled with magic and awe, akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Throughout the series, a multitude of esteemed characters have graced the stage, leaving behind countless indelible moments. Although they may not possess the conventional superhuman attributes, these characters emulate the MCU's protagonist by serving as symbols, mascots, and inspirational figures adorned with remarkable abilities and distinctive traits.

The similarities between the MCU and Assassin's Creed have been increasingly evident over time. For example, Ubisoft introduced the character Cassandra in the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC, which opened up the possibility for crossover content and catering to fans. The significant changes in the franchise, such as with Origins, resemble how the MCU organizes its movies into distinct phases, signifying significant milestones. With Assassin's Creed still ongoing, it remains to be seen whether it will continue to follow the MCU's path or forge its own unique direction.