Assassin's Creed Mirage explores the roots of authentic Arabic experience

This week marks the release of Ubisoft's latest addition to the iconic Assassin's Creed franchise, 'Mirage,' which takes players back to the series' roots. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, the game introduces a significant departure from its predecessors: authentic Arabic performances.

While previous games in the franchise have explored various regions, the protagonists have traditionally been voiced by English-speaking actors by default. However, Ubisoft has taken a bold step by recording the game's performances in classical Arabic, offering players a more authentic and immersive experience.

Players still have the option to choose English dialogue, but the hope is that they will opt for the Arabic version to enhance the game's cultural richness. This move has been widely welcomed by fans like Ameer, who grew up in Baghdad. Ameer notes that previous attempts at Arabic dialogue in games often involved negative stereotypes, and he applauds Ubisoft for presenting a more positive depiction.

Mohammed Al Imam, a member of Ubisoft's Middle Eastern and North African branch who worked on the game, emphasised the importance of presenting a 'positive depiction' of Arabic speakers. The language used in the game is classical Arabic, a version that has been preserved for over a millennium and is still widely understood despite differing from modern spoken dialects.

The official also highlighted the meticulous approach taken in selecting voice actors, insisting that every Arabic line be performed by someone fluent in the language. This commitment to authenticity extends to the translation team, ensuring accuracy in both the Arabic performances and English subtitles.

According to Mohammed, these details, like subtle differences in expressions and sayings, might go unnoticed by non-native speakers but add significant depth for those familiar with the language. He mentions instances where English lines are translated into Arabic with nuanced cultural references that enhance the player's understanding of the historical context.

Ubisoft also employed historical experts to ensure the authenticity of the game's setting, reflecting the franchise's commitment to recreating historical environments faithfully.

Ameer, currently residing in Istanbul, hopes Mirage will change perceptions of Iraq. He believes the game will showcase the significance of Baghdad in the 9th Century, a period he refers to as the golden age, where Iraq and Baghdad played a pivotal role in history, housing great scholars and contributing immensely to various fields.

Despite potential concerns about changes to a beloved franchise, early reviews of Assassin's Creed Mirage have been generally favourable. Critics have praised the game's focused approach and the return to the franchise's earlier style, providing a refreshing experience for players.

The makers are enthusiastic about diving into the game and anticipate its impact closer to home, aspiring to inspire more Middle Eastern game developers.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is available on Playstation, Xbox, and PC, inviting players to explore the rich history of 9th-century Baghdad in an immersive and culturally authentic experience.

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