A New Era for Assassin’s Creed and Mac Gaming

Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a compelling duo of protagonists: Yasuke, a formidable warrior of African descent, and Naoe, a swift and deadly Shinobi assassin. Ubisoft’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in every aspect of the game, from character design to the meticulously recreated landscapes of feudal Japan. “It’s been a longtime dream to bring the game to Mac,” stated Ubisoft executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté during his WWDC24 keynote presentation. “The level of immersion you get opening a MacBook Pro and playing Shadows is incredible.” The game will also be optimized for iPad models equipped with M-series chips, expanding the reach of this immersive experience.

Naoe, one of the game’s two protagonists, is an agile assassin who’s at her best when striking from the shadows.

The development team’s ambition is clear. Côté described Shadows as their “most ambitious” project to date. Achieving this level of fidelity was made possible by leveraging cutting-edge Mac technologies, including Metal 3, Apple silicon, and advanced HDR support with real-time ray tracing on Macs featuring M3 and M4 chips. This combination has resulted in a visually stunning and remarkably fluid gaming experience.

Associate technical director Mathieu Belanger highlighted the architectural advantages of Mac hardware. “The unified memory between the GPU and CPU is incredibly well done,” he explained. “It’s a testament to Apple’s commitment to gaming and has made us optimistic about the future of the platform.”

Yasuke’s brute force complements Naoe’s stealthy approach.

Dynamic World and Historical Authenticity

Beyond the technical achievements, Ubisoft’s creative director, Jonathan Dumont, emphasized the importance of creating a believable and immersive world. The team undertook extensive research, even traveling to Japan to study the nuances of 16th-century life, from architectural details to the specific varnishes used on wood. “The goal was to make the world feel alive,” Dumont said. This commitment extends to the game’s dynamic weather systems, shifting seasons, and realistic lighting effects. The environment isn’t static; it breathes and evolves, creating a truly captivating experience.

The game’s biomes, seasons, and weather are all dynamically created. Sunlight filters through leaves and temple roofs, and every room seems to have a flickering candle, constantly changing the light. “Look at the clouds,” explains technology director Martin Bedard, “These aren’t pre-rendered; they’re fluid-based cloud simulations.” The team even developed a humidity simulation to influence cloud formation.

The dual protagonist system allows players to experience the world from two distinct perspectives. Choosing between Naoe and Yasuke is a matter of playstyle preference – stealth and precision versus raw power. Players can seamlessly switch between characters, leveraging their unique skills to overcome challenges. Do you prefer the calculated approach of a Shinobi or the overwhelming force of a seasoned warrior?

(The Hideout is) peaceful. You can say, ‘I feel like putting some trees down, seeing what I collected, upgrading my buildings, and petting the cats.’

Jonathan Dumont, Ubisoft creative director

Players will also find respite in the Hideout, a customizable rural village serving as a home base for Naoe and Yasuke. This tranquil sanctuary offers a welcome contrast to the intensity of the main game, allowing players to upgrade buildings, collect resources, and even interact with a charming array of animals – including, famously, kittens. “The kittens were a P1 feature,” joked associate game director Dany St-Laurent.

Yasuke prepares to face off against an opponent in what will likely be a fruitful battle.

Ultimately, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a story about connection and collaboration. Dumont believes the strength of the game lies in its characters. “It’s an open-world game, yes, but at its core, it features two characters you’ll genuinely like,” he said. “The game is about following their journey, connecting with them, and seeing how they complement each other.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Assassin’s Creed Shadows