"Assassin's Creed" surpasses 230 million players globally
"Assassin's Creed" is a popular video game series that has attracted over 230 million players since its launch in 2007. The franchise is known for its historic settings and engaging gameplay. Ahead of the release of its latest installment, "Assassin's Creed Shadows," here are five key points about the series. The series takes players on a journey through different historical periods, from the Crusades to the Viking age. The latest game is set in 16th-century feudal Japan, a long-requested time period. Players use stealth and combat techniques to defeat enemies, including grappling hooks and swords. The first game sold over eight million copies, and the series has only grown in popularity. The 2020 game "Valhalla" became the franchise's most successful title, earning over one billion euros. Composer Stephanie Economou won a Grammy for her work on music from "Valhalla." While the games are enjoyed by many, they sometimes face criticism for their portrayal of history. "Shadows" features Yasuke, a black samurai, which has stirred debate about his historical accuracy. Developers defend their creative choices and claim they work with historians to ensure the games are historically grounded. In addition to video games, "Assassin's Creed" has expanded into movies, comics, and upcoming Netflix series. A film was released in 2016 with a strong cast but received mixed reviews. The franchise continues to evolve with new content promised each year.