Summary
TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise has explored a wide variety of historical settings and major events, since debuting in 2007. The series’ most recent title,Mirage, sawplayers explore 9th-Century Baghdad, in an origin story for one of the series’ overarching antagonists, Basim. While the larger franchise has transitioned to a more self-contained and ancient list of settings and events, more recent history presents a host of compelling eras in which the centuries-long conflict between Assassins and Templars could be set. In the early 2010s, an avatar that depicted an Assassin from one such era was released. Should the concept of this avatar be adapted to a video game, it could be the springboard to the next greatAssassin’s Creedsetting.
Despite releasing 13 mainline titles and a variety of spin-off titles, theAssassin’s Creedfranchise remains one of the most popular in gaming. Since its very first entry, the franchise has explored the conflict between two factions, the Assassins and the Templars, and the supernatural origins of its futuristic universe. Over time, fans have seen the conflict play out across Renaissance Italy, the American Revolution, the Golden Age of Piracy, the Peloponnesian War, and more.
UbiWorkshop’s “Carte Blanche” Contest Asked Fans To Illustrate Their Dream Concepts
UbiWorkshopwas a branch of Ubisoft that created and published multimedia that elaborated on stories inspired by or from the mainAssassin’s Creedseries. One such form of multimedia was limited edition artwork and art collections. In 2010, UbiWorkshop announced their next art book that would include a special “Carte Blanche” section, featuring work from then-well-known concept artists like Craig Mullin and JameNG. What’s more, UbiWorkshop announced that they would be taking submissions from fans worldwide, with the best possibly being added to this section.
Artists were given free rein to design and illustrate anything in their power, including original concepts for theAssassin’s Creeduniverse. While many would submit, only a few were chosen, including an original concept by artist SeedSeven. The artist submitted a work titled “Seed7-Carte-Blanche-Assassin-Cowboy,” which depicted a gunslinging Assassin standing over the body of a Templar Sheriff, while a noose swings in the background.
The artwork was included in the “Carte Blanche” section, gaining recognition as an exceptional fan-generated concept. 2012 saw the piece resurface as an official part of theAssassin’s Creed Universeline of products, in the form ofa PSN avatar. Now boasting the official titleAssassin’s Creed UniverseCowboy Assassin Avatar, the art was made available to purchase on the PSN store, where it remained until avatars were removed in 2020.
Assassin’s Creed Universe’s Cowboy Assassin Suggests a Compelling Future Setting
While recent years have seentheAssassin’s Creedfranchiseexplore the earliest events in its timeline,Assassin’s Creed UniverseCowboy Assassin could act as a springboard to a compelling future setting. Ubisoft already has the perfect character design for its grisly protagonist, and the Templar Sheriff depicted in the original art provides a solid option for a main antagonist or assassination target. However, this particular concept seems unlikely until the overarching Basim narrative has run its course.
Fans have clamored fora Wild West-basedAssassin’s Creedtitle for years, some of whom are likely unaware an official piece of artwork exists. While it remains to be seen whether anAssassin’s Creedgame based in the Wild West will see release, other “dream concepts” from the early 2010s have since become reality.
Egyptian, Japanese, and Viking-based assassins were among the most compelling “free rein” concepts included in the Carte Blanche art project, and now all three exist. Fans of theAssassin’s Creedfranchise continue to hold out hope that their favorite eras or events will one day be adapted into a mainline title. Until the series’ current narrative concludes, those hoping for a Wild West entry will need to remain patient.
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin’s Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin’s Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin’s caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
