Jean-Luc Sala, a 55-year-old comic artist, is leading the art department for the highly anticipated video game, Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Set in 9th century Baghdad during the city’s Golden Age, the game aims to recreate the authentic spirit of the time and promote diversity and inclusivity in gaming.
Sala recently spoke at the Giffoni Good Games conference in Italy, where he led a panel on inclusive and ethical gaming. He believes that video games have the power to open minds and allow players to experience different cultures, genders, and orientations. By including these topics in their games, Sala hopes to create a healthier and more welcoming environment for all players.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes players back to the Middle East, centuries before the first game in the series. Sala explains that the decision to explore this particular period and location was based on the storyline and the historical significance of Baghdad during the Abbasid golden age. The team fell in love with the city and decided it would be the perfect setting for the game, showcasing its size, vibrancy, and suitability for parkour and stealth gameplay.
Creating the look of 9th century Baghdad was a challenge for the team, as they wanted to avoid stereotypical Arabian Nights fantasy clichés while still being respectful of the culture. They worked with experts to recreate the most accurate and vivid experience possible, incorporating typical gestures, incredible locations, and historical characters. The game showcases a golden age where science and knowledge were treasured.
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Extensive research went into the historical reconstruction of Baghdad for the game. As there is very little remaining from that time period, the team gathered writings from scholars of the era and used them to pinpoint where landmarks could have been. They also consulted with historians both inside and outside Ubisoft to create a map and layout for the city. While there won’t be a separate Discovery Tour mode like in previous games, educational content will be integrated into the main game through collectible codex pages and illustrations from several museums.
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Basim is Eivor’s mentor, and in Mirage, his character is further developed as players experience his younger years as a street thief and his journey to becoming a Master Assassin. Sala explains that they wanted to keep some of the tormented characteristics of the older Basim while also showing his vulnerable and lovable side. His final look was inspired by the original game, with touches of the Levantine branch of Assassins and Arabian influences in his costume.
Roshan, Basim’s mentor in the game, is described as a mature, cunning warrior fully dedicated to the Creed. She plays a key role in Basim’s journey and is portrayed as the ideal and iconic Assassin. Her character brings depth and complexity to the story.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set to launch on Oct. 5 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. With its focus on historical accuracy, diversity, and inclusivity, the game aims to be a love letter to the franchise and a back-to-the-roots experience that players will enjoy.
