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Assassin's Creed III
Cover art
Developer(s)	Ubisoft Montreal Additional work by: Ubisoft Annecy (multiplayer) Ubisoft Singapore (naval gameplay)
Publisher(s)	Ubisoft
Director(s)	Alex Hutchinson (Creative)
Producer(s)	Francois Pelland (Senior)
Writer(s)	Corey May (Lead) Matt Turner
Composer(s)	Lorne Balfe
Series	Assassin's Creed
Engine	AnvilNext
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 Wii U Microsoft Windows
Release	PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 NA: October 30, 2012 (2012-10-30) EU: October 31, 2012 (2012-10-31) Microsoft Windows NA: November 20, 2012 (2012-11-20) EU: November 23, 2012 (2012-11-23) Wii U NA: November 18, 2012 (2012-11-18) EU: November 30, 2012 (2012-11-30)
Genre(s)	Action-adventure, open world, stealth
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Assassin's Creed III is an upcoming historical action-adventure open world stealth video game being developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and Microsoft Windows. It will be the fifth major installment and the third numbered title in the Assassin's Creed series. The game is set for worldwide release for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, beginning in North America on October 30, 2012, with a Microsoft Windows version following on November 20, 2012. With the release date of the Wii U confirmed, Assassin's Creed III will be released simultaneously with the console, beginning on November 18, 2012 in North America, and November 30, 2012 in Europe. Ubisoft has said that the game will be bigger than any of its previous installments.

The main portion of Assassin's Creed III will be set before, during and after the American Revolution from 1753 to 1783, featuring a new protagonist: half-English and half-Native American, Connor Kenway, birth name Ratonhnhaké:ton (pronounced "Ra-doon-ha-gay-doon"). In addition to the historical period, the game will also feature the "present day" setting, where series' protagonist Desmond Miles must endeavour to prevent the 2012 apocalypse, as his story will develop and then reach a conclusion. Players will also experience more Desmond than in any previous titles. The game features a new engine, Anvil Next, built from the ground up, the engine is said to utilise full capability of current generation systems to deliver a "next-gen Assassin's Creed experience."

Synopsis

Setting

Set in Colonial America, the Assassin-Templar war has become involved in the American Revolution. As series' protagonist Desmond Miles, the player controls a young half-English, half-Native American man named Connor Kenway, drawn into the fight against tyranny when his home is attacked by colonists. Over the course of the game, Kenway will encounter historical figures including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Charles Lee, Israel Putnam, Paul Revere, General Lafayette, John Pitcairn, William Prescott, King George III, Samuel Adams and Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben. The story will span 30 years of Connor's life, from 1753 to 1783. Boston and New York will be cities that can be explored, as well as the American Colonial Frontier, spanning forest, cliffs, rivers, Connor's Mohawk village, and the settlements of Lexington, Concord and Charlestown. It will be open for the player to take part in hunting activities, and approximately one third of the story will take place in the Frontier. The entire Eastern seaboard will also be explorable via Connor captaining a ship.

Development

Origins

Work on Assassin's Creed III began in January 2010 (almost immediately after the release of Assassin's Creed II) by a senior team of Ubisoft developers. The title has been in development for 3 years and has the longest development cycle since the first Assassin's Creed. When Ubisoft first revealed Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood in 2010, as new details came to light, there was some confusion within the gaming community as to whether this would be Assassin's Creed III. According to the developers, Brotherhood was not Assassin's Creed III, and the third installment will not star a "pre-existing character." Ubisoft Montreal's developers stated in their interviews that Assassin's Creed III will be released eventually.

Jean-François Boivin of Ubisoft also stated that each numbered title in the series will introduce a new lead character and a new setting. Patrice Désilets, former series' creative director, said that the series has always been planned as a trilogy. He also commented on the story of Assassin's Creed III, saying that it will focus on Assassins' quest to prevent the end of the world in 2012, and their race against time to find temples and Apples of Eden built by "Those Who Came Before". Desmond will be searching for clues as to the locations of these temples, by exploring memories of one (or more) of his other ancestors.

In October 2011 Alexandre Amacio, creative director of Assassin's Creed: Revelations, announced that the next installment of the franchise was to be released before December 2012, however, Amacio himself would not be directing the game. This comes from the idea that Desmond Miles, the modern day protagonist of the series, was to finish his tale by December 2012. Amacio said that gamers should not have to play a futuristic game after the time period in which it is set.

Pre-announcement

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed during an earnings call on November 8, 2011, that a new "major" Assassin's Creed game will be released in 2012. Guillemot refused to go into any further detail on the title beyond its confirmation. Speaking to MCV, Guillemot dismissed the notion that annual Assassin's Creed installments are diluting the brands, stating instead that they're necessary to "satisfy the demand". Guillemot also claimed in the same interview that this year's Assassin's Creed will be the series' "biggest to date."

In February 2012, Ubisoft officially confirmed the existence of Assassin's Creed III, and its North American release date of October 30, 2012. Guillemot described Assassin's Creed III as "the true next generation of both the Assassin's Creed brand and interactive entertainment/storytelling in general. We will push the title a lot because it's a fantastic product that the team has been working on for three years. What we have seen is just fabulous." Guillemot went on to say the publisher's investing more heavily in the game than in any other title in the series.

Internal leaks

Reports that Assassin's Creed III would take place during the American Revolution surfaced following a supposed "inside source" at Ubisoft, who made such a claim in January 2012. On February 29, 2012, an upcoming promotional image of the game was sent to Kotaku by a Best Buy employee, along with information from the retailer that a full reveal was imminent. The leaked promotional image led to a general consensus that the game is set in North America during the American Revolution, and at least in part, a snowy setting. Around the same time, Ubisoft mentioned "a major announcement from Assassin's Creed" was "only days away" via the series' official Facebook. The page's cover photo also depicted a snowy and bleak setting. Furthermore, GameInformer appeared ready to confirm the fresh details via an advertising banner posted on its site. Images show the new assassin standing next to American revolutionary leader George Washington.

Following the reports, Ubisoft released Assassin's Creed III's official box art on March 1, 2012, which confirms the game's American Revolution setting. The company said it will announce "all the details" at 5pm on March 5. Additionally, Game Informer revealed its latest cover feature which includes more artwork of the game's new main character. On March 2, several screenshots were leaked ahead of Ubisoft's official reveal, and the first gameplay details emerged via Game Informer.

Post-announcement

Assassin's Creed III was unveiled with a cinematic trailer on March 5, 2012. Ubisoft described the game as the "most ambitious" project in the company's history, with twice the production capacity of any previous title from the publisher. The game's engine, AnvilNext, delivers improved visuals, character models and AI, allowing for battlefields full of fighters. Ubisoft later said it's aiming to make Assassin's Creed III "look next-gen" on current-gen consoles using the new AnvilNext engine.

Ubisoft said that when Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption released mid-way through Assassin's Creed III's development, it was surprised to see Rockstar had included wild animal hunting and a giant frontier to explore—features both planned for its own sequel. Lead writer Corey May said Ubisoft's now looking at Red Dead's success and trying to take the formula in "new directions". Similarities between these two games are down to "a convergence of minds", said Assassin's Creed III writer Matt Turner. Creative Director Alex Hutchinson said Ubisoft steered clear of making the Assassin's Creed III protagonist a female character because the game's setting is not a strong match. Hutchinson said while many people wanted to see female assassins in the series, the American Revolution setting makes it difficult this time round. Despite this, however, exactly the same timeframe and setting are used in the portable spinoff Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, which does indeed feature a female Assassin as the playable character.

Ubisoft recommends the PC version of the game to be played with a controller even though it will still support keyboard and mouse setup. Ubisoft Montreal's Creative Director Alex Hutchinson admitted: "We're definitely supporting PC, we love PC, but I think it'll be PC with a controller. I don't see us investing hugely in a mouse and keyboard setup. I think if you want to play on PC and you want to play Assassin's Creed, you have a controller."

At Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012, extra features were revealed for the Wii U version of the game. The player has the ability to change weapons on the go and the map is always visible on the Wii U Gamepad. Also announced was news for the multiplayer mode. It was announced that there would be over 12 modes, one of which is Domination where players hold certain points on the map. You will be able to play as the British military and the mode is "run" by Abstergo, as with previous games. Game mechanics from the single player will be carried over to the multiplayer, therefore requiring players to utilise stealth and advance assassination techniques. Finally, female assassins will be included. Ubisoft also revealed the naval aspect of the game. The entire eastern seaboard is an explorable area, much like New York City, Boston, and the Frontier, and will have its own missions, action, side events, and map. In the area, Connor will captain a ship, where the player can attack enemy ships.

At San Diego Comic-Con 2012, Ubisoft officially revealed a new co-operative multiplayer mode called 'Wolf Pack'. The mode allows players to form teams of up to 4 people and work collectively to eliminate NPC assassination targets, known as 'Moles'. There are a total of 25 sequences, or 'waves' to complete, with each wave increasing in difficulty.

Marketing

Ubisoft's senior vice president of sales and marketing, Tony Key, said the game would enjoy the biggest marketing commitment in company history. Ubisoft UK MD Rob Cooper has said that Assassin's Creed III is a good entry point for newcomers to the series, and that he thinks Assassin's Creed III will hold its own against this year's biggest releases. In March 2012, the Assassin's Creed: Double Pack was released both as a retail purchase for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and digital download on PSN, which brings together the first Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed II in a virtual compilation box.

Ubisoft has collaborated with several retail outlets on pre-order bonuses available through several store chains throughout the world. Which of the pre-order bonuses the player received depended upon where they pre-ordered the game. A free SteelBook collectible featuring artwork by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross is available as a pre-order incentive. The "Captain of the Aquila" DLC pack includes a single player weapon (The Boarding Axe) and a single player skin (The Captain of the Aquila's uniform). The "Colonial Assassin" DLC pack includes a single player weapon (The Scottish Flintlock) and a single player skin (the Traditional Colonial Assassins outfit). "Redcoat Multiplayer" DLC pack includes redcoat costume, a snake emblem, and a "doctor doll" relic. In the US, Gamestop is offering the single-player mission Lost Mayan Ruins and the Sawtooth Sword, Best Buy is offering the single-player mission Ghost of War and the Pontiac's War Club, while Amazon is offering the Steelbook Case.

SCEE offers a digital version of Assassin's Creed III via the PlayStation Store. Dubbed the "Gold Edition", the download includes the game, PlayStation Vita title Assassin's Creed III: Liberation and a Season Pass (a first for the series). Another version of the "Gold Edition" features the game and the Season Pass, but not Liberation. Third version comes with Liberation, but without the Season Pass. All versions include A Dangerous Secret, the extra mission available with the Special Edition.

Retail editions

On March 26, 2012, Ubisoft announced three collectors editions of Assassin's Creed III, The Freedom, Join Or Die and Special editions, exclusive to EMEA countries and Australia. On June 1, 2012, Ubisoft also announced another collectors edition of Assassin's Creed III, the UbiWorkshop Edition. Ubisoft and Sony will partner to offer the game as a bundle with the PlayStation 3 console, which will be offered from the day of the game's release. On the day of its release, Assassin's Creed III will receive exclusive downloadable content on the PlayStation 3 (similar to the exclusive Copernicus Conspiracy mission deal on Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood), this includes 60 minutes of exclusive gameplay.

• The Freedom Edition features a retail copy of the game, a steelbook case with cover art drawn by award-winning comic artist Alex Ross, George Washington's notebook, a 24cm high-quality figurine of the protagonist Connor and 2 exclusive lithographs. In-game content included is two exclusive single player missions (Ghost of War & Lost Mayan Ruins) and an additional multiplayer character (Sharpshooter). The Freedom Edition is a GameStop retail exclusive.

• The Join Or Die Edition features a retail copy of the game, Connor's medallion (The medallion of the Assassins with its high-quality curd ladle) and George Washington's notebook. In-game content included is one exclusive single player mission (Ghost of War) and an additional multiplayer character (Sharpshooter).

• The Special Edition features a retail copy of the game and special packaging. In-game content included is one exclusive single player mission (A Dangerous Secret).

• The UbiWorkshop Edition features a retail copy of the game, the second edition of the Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia and a new graphic novel titled Assassin's Creed: Subject 4.

• The Limited Edition features a retail copy of the game, a 24cm high-quality figurine of Connor, an embroidered 28" x 48" Assassin's Creed-inspired colonial flag, a 3" x 3.25" sturdy metal belt buckle with the Assassin insignia and George Washington's notebook. In-game content included is an exclusive single player mission (Lost Mayan Ruins). Although not originally planned, George Washington's notebook was later included in the edition due to popular demand.

• The Digital Deluxe Edition features a retail copy of the game, George Washington's notebook and a collection of the best soundtracks from previous Assassin's Creed games. In-game content included is three exclusive single player missions, two skins (The Captain of the Aquila's uniform and The Colonial Assassin outfit) and two additional multiplayer characters (Sharpshooter and Redcoat). The edition is exclusive to PC.

Sales

On March 30, 2012, Ubisoft stated that in the three weeks since the game's preorder campaign began, numbers had already surpassed the total US preorder numbers of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and exceeded 10 times more than the preorders Assassin's Creed: Revelations attracted in a comparable time frame.

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External links

• Official website

• Action-adventure games
• Assassin's Creed
• Boston, Massachusetts in fiction
• Open world video games
• PlayStation 3 games
• Upcoming video games scheduled for 2012
• Video game sequels
• Video games set in the 18th century
• Video games developed in Canada
• Wii U games
• Windows games
• Xbox 360 games
• Works about the American Revolution
• Video games set in New York City