STACK Magazine November Issue 121

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GAMES
NOVEMBER 2014 JB Hi-Fi
FEATURE
038
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Vive la
Revolution
Why did you decide uponThe French
Revolution as the historical setting for an
Assassin’s Creed game?
MAXIME DURAND: The French Revolution was the
perfect template for an Assassin’s Creed title for a
variety of reasons. The Revolution itself was far more
than a simple rebellion against an unpopular king; it
was a total rejection of repressive feudal principles
that had endured for centuries. The French Revolution
gave the middle finger (and the guillotine) to anyone
who supported the old social order of Europe.
It was also a time of firsts. It included the
first-ever assault on the concept of organised
religion, the first genuinely populist uprising
(which was put down by other revolutionaries)
and the first modern police state, with show
trials, informants, and public executions.
On the brighter side, it included the first clear
enunciation of modern liberal principles that we, in
the West, now take for granted. For all our focus on
the American Bill of Rights, the French Declaration of
the Rights of Man predated the American document
by a year. The French Revolution
saw the birth of the charter of rights; it’s the
inauguration of a new world.
It also gave way to the Napoleonic wars that
changed not only Europe, but also the entire
world. It is during this time that the old ways were
replaced with the new. While other nations kept their
monarchic structure, the Revolution made the French
realise that the model was doomed. A new system
had to be found, and the foundations of that new
system were laid.
At the individual level, it was exceptionally bloody
and nearly all of the victims were civilians. It was a
time of terror in which no one was safe. A man could
be sent to the guillotine on his neighbour’s whim.
In sum, it was an extraordinarily violent, cruel, and
momentous decade that took Europe by surprise.
And while we might think we know what happened,
there are plenty of stories from that time which have,
until now, escaped popular imagination.
The French Revolution is such a complex
period of history.Was it challenging to shape
a game from this monumental historical event?
Assassin’s Creed: Unity is really about Arno’s story,
his relationship with Elise and his redemption quest,
epitomised by his journey from novice, to master
assassin.The French Revolution acts as a backdrop to
Arno’s story. Consequently, we’ll be crossing paths with
numerous and very diverse historical figures, landmarks
and events. Unity is respectful to historical facts and
intentions regarding these, while integrating them into
our unique narrative arc.The historical experience we
propose focuses on a vast and immersive reproduction
of Paris as a playground. It is filled with real historical
crowd life activities, such as tanners, or popular era
songs, like La Carmagnole.
Our gameplay mechanics are also based on
historical facts in many more ways than the weapons
used. For instance, our enemies are embodied by a
faction better known as the Sans-Culottes; an extremist
political group which led thousands of people to
execution via the Committee of Public Salute.
Also, our protector faction is based on the National
Guard and acts as the police, preventing any and all
reprehensive actions.
Our rich side content is based upon obscure historical
facts and various Parisian myths.
Players will still be able to enhance their
historical experience via our in-game encyclopedia,
the Animus Database.
According to STACK ’s Paul Jones, Maxime Durand has the best
job on earth; he gets to research history for video games.
We spoke with him about the history behind Assassin’s Creed: Unity.
There are plenty of stories from
that time which have, until now,
escaped popular imagination.