Assassin's Creed
Context
Collaborate with another student to plan and create a map section of an Open World game.
We chose 14th century Scotland for it’s rich history and clear war dynamic.
Project Scope
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Map Size: 2 km x 2 km
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Project Duration: About 2 weeks
Project Brief
- Showcase recognizable architecture
- Include narration intent for each location
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Points of Interest (POI):
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2 Major POIs:
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1 Neutral POI
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1 Enemy POI
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- 3+ Minor POIs:
- Combat: At least one battle encounter
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Puzzle: At least one puzzle
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Made in collaboration with Simon Paradis
The following describes, my half of the 2 x 2 km map.
Clip from neutral POI to enemy POI
Neutral POI
The Map
Exploration focused
- Disperse the NPC to encourage exploration
- Offer multiple pathing option to the player
Verticality
- Use verticality to help the player navigate :
- High grounds = high society
- Low grounds = regular people
Objectives
Safe Space
- Provide the player with a familiar place to come back to
- Create a home for important NPC
- Offer shop options to player
History and Exposition
- Have a space to have the player safely get familiar with the story
Landmarks
- Always show something to orient the player :
- Cathedral
- Watch tower
Syncronisation
- Set up a place that the player will want to climb to have a view of his surroundings
Guidance
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Guided Exploration:
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Paths naturally FUNNELS THE PLAYER towards the Cathedral
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- Landmarks:
- Either the watchtower or the cathedral are VISIBLE FROM ANY POINTS IN TOWN
What would I do to improve the design ?
- Pack the town tighter to reflect authentic medieval density construction WHILE keeping spacious navigation spaces
- Expand beyond gates with military camps and slums to improve environment variety and identity
Enemy POI
The Map
Objectives
360 Approach
- 5 different entry points
- Each favors a DIFFERENT TYPE of gameplay :
- Stealth, fighting, exploration
High tension
- Town is controlled by enemies
- Local allies forces are locked in the chapel
From within the map
Sneak from behind
Designed for player who like to gather info and learn about secret passages
Assault
Design for player who just want to get in there and fight
Options
Offer many paths to the objective
Climb and enter from the window
Takedown the guards
Parkour
Going from rooftop to rooftop and analyze enemy pathing
What would I do to improve the design ?
- Clarify the path from the left watchtower.
- Add obstacles in the upper node.
- Add a more interesting way to access the lake cavern.
Minor POIs
Full map
Placement
- Positioned along routes between major POIs to ADD WORLD DEPTH and encourage exploration.
Player Engagement
- Ensured frequent points of interest, either interactive or visual, at regular intervals.
Variety
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Each location features a distinct gameplay element :
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Puzzle
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Investigation
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Combat
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Exfiltration
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Design Goal
- BREAK MONOTONY and establish a DYNAMIC RHYTHM to maintain player engagement.
Quick Descriptions
Step by Step Farm POI
Context
Launching the player with a clear objective
Natural framing
Gently guide the player in the right direction
Using contrast
Frame the destination from a vantage position using contrast and leading lines
Research
Historic relevance
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Assassin’s Creed games are rooted in history.
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Our team explored uncharted time periods within the franchise.
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Selected Setting: Scotland, circa 1297.
Curate image references
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Searched for historical battle plans.
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Collected images of authentic castles and monasteries.
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Referenced visual representations from movies, shows, and games.
Plan quests and POIs
Two clear opposing factions
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Scottish Rebels led by William Wallace, seeking independence from English rule.
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English Crown Forces under King Edward I, aiming to maintain control over Scotland.
