Assassin's Creed: Origins

Definition

Assassin's Creed: Origins is an action role-playing video game released in 2017, set in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. The game focuses on the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood and explores themes of cultural representation and appropriation, particularly through its portrayal of Egyptian culture and history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The game introduces players to Ancient Egypt's rich history, featuring famous landmarks like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, while intertwining fictional narratives with real historical events.
2. It received praise for its visual representation of Egyptian culture, but also faced criticism for potential oversimplification and romanticization of complex historical themes.
3. Players take on the role of Bayek, a Medjay, who fights to protect his people, thereby positioning the character as both a historical figure and a symbol of resistance against oppression.
4. The game emphasizes exploration and discovery, encouraging players to engage deeply with the cultural artifacts, traditions, and landscapes of Ancient Egypt.
5. Assassin's Creed: Origins plays a significant role in the franchise's shift towards more immersive storytelling that prioritizes cultural representation alongside gameplay mechanics.

Review Questions

• How does Assassin's Creed: Origins portray Ancient Egyptian culture and what impact does this have on players' understanding of history?
  • Assassin's Creed: Origins portrays Ancient Egyptian culture through detailed environments, accurate representations of historical landmarks, and integration of cultural practices into gameplay. This immersive experience allows players to gain a deeper appreciation for Egyptian history and traditions. However, while the game celebrates this culture, it also raises questions about historical accuracy and whether it simplifies complex narratives for entertainment purposes.
• In what ways does Assassin's Creed: Origins address issues of cultural appropriation in its representation of Egyptian society?
  • Assassin's Creed: Origins attempts to address cultural appropriation by grounding its narrative in the context of Egyptian history while also being mindful of how it portrays cultural elements. However, criticisms arise regarding whether the game adequately respects the depth of Egyptian culture or if it reduces it to mere aesthetic appeal. The developers aimed to create a respectful homage to the past but must balance this with entertainment value, leading to ongoing discussions about the appropriateness of such portrayals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Assassin's Creed: Origins in balancing gameplay mechanics with authentic cultural representation, and discuss the broader implications for future games.
  • Assassin's Creed: Origins effectively balances gameplay mechanics with authentic cultural representation by integrating exploration and narrative depth with rich historical detail. The game's approach demonstrates that video games can serve as platforms for learning about diverse cultures while remaining engaging. This sets a precedent for future titles to prioritize respectful representation, challenging developers to innovate in ways that honor cultural legacies while still delivering enjoyable experiences for players.

Related terms

Cultural Appropriation: The act of taking or using elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission or understanding, which can lead to controversy.

Historical Accuracy: The degree to which a video game represents historical events, figures, and contexts faithfully, impacting how players perceive and engage with history.

Narrative Agency: The ability of players to influence the storyline and outcomes in a video game, allowing for personal connection to the cultural narratives being presented.