Though video games are an incredibly popular form of storytelling, Ubisoft is looking to a more historical form of narrative with the opening of its Ubisoft Publishing division. Ubisoft has partnered with publishers before, however Ubisoft Publishing is the company's first independent foray into the printed word.
'Assassin's Creed,' one of the Montreal-based video game creator's flagship franchises, has been praised for inventive and captivating storytelling just as much as for its exciting gameplay. As such, Ubisoft Publishing's first series of novels will be a trilogy that takes place within the 'Assassin's Creed' universe. The first of those novels is entitled 'Assassin's Creed: Heresy.'
The novel was written by Christie Golden, who has also authored novels for famous franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars, giving her the perfect pedigree to handle an expansive fictional universe.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Video Game-based Publishing
- An increasing number of video game companies are branching out into publishing their own line of novels and other printed content, opening new avenues of storytelling and revenue streams.
- Expanded Universe Narratives
- As video game companies create extensive fictional universes for their games, there is a growing opportunity to create new and expansive narratives within those universes through books, comics, and other media.
- Celebrity Author Collaborations
- Video game companies can partner with established authors in other media to lend credibility and expand their brand presence beyond gaming.
Where This Applies
- Video Game Publishing
- Video game companies can create new revenue streams and expand their brand beyond gaming by delving into traditional publishing and other non-gaming ventures.
- Book Publishing
- Traditional publishing companies may see a new area of opportunity in partnering with video game companies looking to expand their brand into the literary world.
- Entertainment Licensing
- Licensing agencies can capitalize on the growing trend of video game franchises creating expansive fictional universes by connecting them with publishers and creators in other media.
