Unlocking the Hidden Secrets of Baghdad's Cultural Representation in Assassin's Creed Mirage
Experience the historical magnificence of ninth-century Baghdad in Assassin's Creed Mirage as cultural representation takes center stage Immerse yourself in the vibrant city that once ruled the world, meticulously crafted to transport players to an era of grandeur and intrigue
Highlights
The portrayal of 9th-century Baghdad in Assassin's Creed Mirage is a vivid representation of a multicultural city, where individuals from various backgrounds and languages coexist harmoniously. This includes inhabitants who speak Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Hebrew, and Greek.
Ubisoft made extensive efforts to ensure the game's historical accuracy. They recorded numerous individuals in various languages and incorporated details, such as depicting veiled and unveiled women, to reflect the religious diversity of the era. Although certain modifications were made for gameplay reasons, such as adjusting the locations of rivers and enhancing visibility of mountains, Ubisoft remained committed to accurately portraying the historical and cultural elements of Baghdad in Assassin's Creed Mirage.
According to Ubisoft historian Raphael Weyland, the standout feature of Assassin's Creed Mirage was its portrayal of a diverse population in the city that truly reflected its cosmopolitan nature. During the time period depicted in the game, Baghdad was a global hub for science, trade, and various other pursuits. It was crucial for the game to capture this essence by showcasing the multitude of backgrounds and cultures present in the city. By doing so, the game emphasized the fact that history is not just made up of significant events but also the lives of the people who shape it. One example of this is the emerging Zanj Rebellion, which is a testament to the importance of individual actions within historical contexts. In a recent interview with Game Rant, Weyland delved into the various aspects of history present in Assassin's Creed Mirage, ranging from the inclusion of small details like soap-related flavor lines to the meticulous effort put into representing the diverse cultures that populated Baghdad.
In Assassin's Creed Mirage, when questioned about the crucial aspect to nail down accurately, Weyland emphasized the significance of representing the diverse community residing in Baghdad during that era. He highlighted that it encompassed not just Arabic-speaking Muslims, but also individuals who spoke Persian, Chinese, Hebrew, and even Greek. According to him, this diversity was indispensable as it captured a fundamental aspect of the city.
Of course, achieving this is not an easy task, especially when it comes to ensuring accurate pronunciations and usages. For Ubisoft, it entailed recording numerous individuals in multiple languages, meticulously double-checking and verifying all these details. It is a time-consuming process, particularly for something that may appear insignificant, as some players may not pay as much attention to non-playable characters (NPCs) as others. However, it significantly contributes to creating an authentic and vibrant atmosphere in Baghdad. In Assassin's Creed Mirage, the inclusion of Arabic and other languages further enhances this experience. There are even moments when players may hear a Greek person uttering the word "Malakas," which could evoke nostalgic memories of Assassin's Creed Odyssey.
Ubisoft's attention to detail and historical accuracy in depicting Baghdad goes beyond expectations. They have included a level of granularity by adding women who were both veiled and unveiled in the game. While this may not directly impact gameplay, it greatly enhances the historical authenticity. Weyland, from Ubisoft, explains that they included this feature to accurately represent the diversity of clothing choices among different religions during that time period.
The gameplay of Assassin's Creed Mirage is a standout feature of the game, and adjustments were made to accommodate it. For instance, the rivers in the game are not geographically accurate, and the visibility of mountains from the walls of Baghdad is also unrealistic. However, Ubisoft made sure to prioritize accurately reflecting the culture of 9th-century Baghdad, valuing history and culture over gameplay. While some enhancements were made to improve the historical and cultural representation, nothing essential to that aspect was compromised. Assassin's Creed Mirage is currently accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
