Assassin's Creed Mirage has captivated attention not just for its gameplay, but also for its extraordinarily accurate depiction of 9th century Baghdad. Such is the level of detail that it moved a historian to tears. Ubisoft, the developers of the game, have once again demonstrated their commitment to recreating historical eras with exceptional fidelity. In this article, we'll explore the significance of this achievement, its implications for the gaming world, and the response it has garnered.
The Setting: A Time Period Largely Unknown
The art director of Mirage, Jean-Luc Sala, has stated that the 9th-century Middle East is "uncharted" territory in terms of public knowledge. This period precedes the Mongol invasion in the 13th century that razed Baghdad, leaving little documentation about the city's earlier state. Creating a historically accurate portrayal was, therefore, seen as a "problematic" endeavor by historians consulted during the development process.
Risk and Challenges
Navigating the scant information available, Ubisoft faced the significant challenge of portraying a time and place not well-documented. They had to rely heavily on historical consultants to fill in the gaps and corroborate the elements included in the game.
The Historian's Perspective: A Digital World Brought to Tears
Dr. Ali A. Olomi, one of the historians who collaborated with Ubisoft, expressed sheer delight and emotional overwhelm when he first saw the digital representation of 9th century Baghdad. According to him, it was like stepping back in time and living the history he had spent years studying.
Emotional Connection and Professional Achievement
For Dr. Olomi, seeing the city brought to life was not just a professional validation but also an emotional experience. The digital world mirrored his life's work in a way that went beyond the scope of academic papers or verbal descriptions.