Whoever claimed that video games lack educational value clearly hasn’t experienced the captivating world of Assassin’s Creed. History buffs are going to love what Ubisoft has just announced. Prepare to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing historical tapestry of Baghdad with the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, slated to hit stores worldwide on October 12, 2023.
Watch the Story Trailer for Assassin's Creed Mirage
What sets Assassin’s Creed Mirage apart is its groundbreaking collaboration with prestigious institutions that have breathed life into the game’s remarkable “History of Baghdad” feature. Get ready to embark on an interactive journey that not only entertains but enlightens.
From the moment you enter the game’s sprawling recreation of Baghdad, you’ll find yourself encountering a staggering array of sixty-six historical sites. Each of these serves as a gateway to invaluable insights about the era, meticulously categorized into five distinct themes: Art & Science, Beliefs and Daily Life, Court Life, Economy, and Government. Ubisoft has gone the extra mile by partnering with eminent historians and expert advisors to curate each entry, ensuring an unparalleled level of authenticity. To bring the visual elements to life, the game features a treasure trove of images sourced from renowned institutions like The David Collection, the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), The Khalili Collections, and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.
The David Collection, an exclusive museum nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, boasts an extensive collection of Islamic art that is second to none in the Western world. Among the artifacts from The David Collection featured in Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the awe-inspiring ivory-carved Casket with gilt-bronze fittings. Prepare to be mesmerized by its sheer beauty and intricate craftsmanship.
For over three decades, the Institut du monde arabe (IMA) in Paris has stood as a cultural bridge connecting France, the Arab world, and the global community. This architectural marvel serves as a catalyst for cultural exchange and has become an indispensable landmark for individuals intrigued by the realms of Arab cultures. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, players will have the opportunity to appreciate one of the exquisite objects from IMA’s collection—the magnificent Ruby Lustre Bowl.
Stepping into the spotlight is Professor Sir Nasser D. Khalili, who has spent fifty years assembling eight of the world’s most exceptional art collections. These Eight Collections, comprising an astounding 35,000 works, have graced prestigious institutions worldwide. Among these collections, a dedicated section focusing on Islamic art holds more than 28,000 mesmerizing objects. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, you’ll be treated to a glimpse of their captivating Planispheric Astrolabe, sure to ignite your imagination.
Venturing to the tranquil shores of Honolulu, we encounter the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. Originally built in 1937 as a personal residence by the illustrious Doris Duke, Shangri La now serves as a beacon of public enlightenment in Islamic art and culture. It champions artists through its esteemed residency programs and acts as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation. Among the treasures from Shangri La featured in the “History of Baghdad” segment is the astonishing Twelve-Sided Bronze Mortar with Animal Finials and Vegetal Motif Panels. Prepare to be awestruck by its intricate details.
Thierry Noël, Head of Ubisoft’s Humanities & Inspiration Department, emphasizes Assassin’s Creed’s ongoing commitment to providing players with a gateway to explore captivating historical settings. With “History of Baghdad,” Ubisoft aims to present a research-based perspective on 9th century Baghdad and the Abbasid Empire, debunking preconceptions and stereotypes often associated with that era. This collaboration with esteemed partners and experts underscores the series’ hallmark dedication to authenticity and accuracy.
Acknowledgment must be given to the invaluable contributions of the game’s advisors: Dr. Glaire Anderson, an expert in Islamic art, and the Digital Lab for Islamic Visual Culture & Collections of the University of Edinburgh; Dr. Vanessa Van Renterghem, a specialist in medieval Baghdad; Dr. Ali Olomi, a Scholar of Islamic History; and Dr. Raphaël Weyland, an expert in Islamic history. Their expertise has been instrumental in recreating the vibrant tapestry of Baghdad in Assassin’s Creed Mirage and crafting the captivating “History of Baghdad” feature.
For more information about this groundbreaking feature, the individual contributions of each partner, and the collaborative efforts of the entire team, we invite you to visit the official page. Prepare to be astounded as Assassin’s Creed Mirage beckons you to uncover the rich history of Baghdad like never before.
