Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the franchise’s return to its roots, captivated players with its focus on a young Basim Ibn Ishaq. While the game delivered a complete story experience, fans eager for more of Basim’s past might be disappointed to learn there’s no DLC planned. However, the developers have hinted that his journey may continue in other ways.
In a recent Reddit AMA, Creative Director Stéphane Boudon confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Mirage was designed as a standalone experience. “Mirage has been designed as a standalone experience without any DLC planned,” he stated. This approach prioritizes a focused narrative arc for Basim within the confines of a single game.
But that doesn’t mean the charismatic Assassin is done. Boudon said, “We’re thrilled by the reception of Mirage! […] However, we surely have ideas on extending the story of Basim.” This exciting revelation suggests that Ubisoft must still explore Basim’s past or potential future.
How might Ubisoft continue Basim’s story if not through DLC? Here are a few possibilities:
Future Assassin’s Creed Games: Basim’s story could intertwine with the narrative of a future Assassin’s Creed title. Given his long lifespan within the franchise timeline, he could appear as a mentor, ally, or antagonist, depending on the chosen period.
Standalone Expansion or Spin-Off: While Mirage wasn’t built with DLC in mind, Ubisoft could create a separate, downloadable expansion focusing on a specific chapter in Basim’s life. Alternatively, a standalone spin-off title could delve deeper into a particular aspect of his story.
Transmedia Storytelling: Ubisoft could use other mediums, such as comics, novels, or even animated features, to explore Basim’s narrative further. This approach would allow for a more detailed exploration of his character and backstory without directly impacting the core gameplay experience.
The developers’ enthusiasm for Basim suggests Ubisoft is keen to capitalize on the character’s popularity. While details remain scarce, their openness to exploring his story beyond Mirage is a positive sign for fans who connected with the young Assassin.
It’s also worth noting that the “no DLC” stance isn’t entirely unprecedented for the franchise. Games like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey also opted for a self-contained narrative experience without additional story content. However, both titles received substantial post-launch updates that expanded upon the core gameplay without necessarily adding to the main story.
While the lack of Mirage DLC might be a minor setback, the potential for Basim’s story to continue in other forms is an exciting prospect. Whether he resurfaces in a future Assassin’s Creed title, a dedicated spin-off, or through transmedia storytelling, fans can rest assured that Ubisoft isn’t finished exploring the depths of this intriguing character.