Assassin's Creed Hexe is set to bring new and unprecedented elements to the franchise. A Ubisoft employee has hinted at a powerful feminine energy in the game, while the teaser trailer suggests a theme of witchcraft through the use of the German word "hexe." Fans speculate that the game will be set in Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when witch hunts were prevalent and the Holy Roman Empire was at its peak.
The inclusion of witchcraft is a departure from previous Assassin's Creed games, generating excitement among players who eagerly await more information about Assassin's Creed Hexe. In addition, some observant fans have noticed that the pentagram text in the trailer utilizes the Alphabet of the Magi, further indicating the time period. While the franchise has primarily focused on RPG or action-adventure gameplay, Hexe is expected to move towards a horror genre, potentially becoming the first horror game in the series.
The History of Witchcraft is Female
Although the trailer for Assassin's Creed Hexe may not immediately appear feminine due to its depiction of a dark forest and a pentagram, the game draws upon centuries of female-led history and culture that is deeply intertwined with femininity. Witchcraft, an ancient tradition, arose from the fear of women's mysterious power, which eventually resulted in the persecution and execution of countless innocent women across Christian societies. Since witchcraft inherently involves women, the two are irrevocably connected, shedding light on an aspect of femininity that is often disregarded.
The association between witchcraft and femininity is inseparable: women practicing medicine were wrongfully accused of witchcraft and faced execution, and others formed cults as a response to their marginalized status in patriarchal societies, ranging from Ancient Greece to 17th-century Germany. The roots of witchcraft in Western civilization can be traced back to Ancient Greece, where the goddess Hecate, associated with witchcraft, was linked to realms such as households, the moon, and crossroads, and was revered as a gatekeeper to the afterlife. The majority of Hecate's worshippers were women, and many of the symbols related to her, such as the moon, torches, and crossroads, persisted in witchcraft practices during the 16th century and beyond.
Assassin's Creed Hexe Has The Potential to Transform The Franchise
Society's perception of witchcraft has undergone significant changes, yet its association with femininity remains intact. Witchcraft has found acceptance in various genres, particularly horror, with even independent games like Hades 2 exploring witchcraft through the inclusion of revered goddesses such as Hecate and Melinoe. As the industry moves towards greater diversity, a variety of narratives will take center stage. Ubisoft has recognized that the world is now ready for a game that places witches at its core, and one that fully embraces the accompanying elements.
Assassin's Creed Hexe, with its emphasis on witches, holds hope for a female protagonist taking the lead. With Ubisoft's assurance that the game will "leave a lasting mark on the franchise," the potential for an engrossing gameplay experience, compelling storyline, and captivating characters becomes immensely thrilling.
Assassin's Creed Hexe is in development.