Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 3rd to 14th February

Welcome to the biweekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program.

Every two weeks we will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community.

This theme has been run by the TOWCB VP team. We have been monitoring the hashtag and the community hub to see all your wonderful shots.    

Keep an eye on the site as more shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to #ACFirstCivVP for a chance to be featured.

Theme: Assassin’s Creed

The Great Sand Sea

Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins

VP Artist: @summers458.bsky.social

The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week

Judge: @turidtorkil.bsky.social

Such a breathtaking image would hardly be possible to capture in real life, but equally as difficult to achieve in virtual photography. The sun perfectly in the centre, the silhouette of our protagonist and his mount clearly visible but seamlessly integrated into the overall picture. A great composition that deserves a place on the wall.

Aaron

The beauty of Assassin’s Creed Origins will never cease to amaze me. As we sit on the cusp of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, reflecting back at the RPG games that came before, it is easy to forget how fantastic they all look. Origins will be eight this year and looking every bit as good as it did at launch. I must say this capture is right up there with my favourites from Origins. The composition and range are breathtaking, and the dunes look ultra realistic. There is certainly a fine art feel to this photo thanks to the soft tones. That sun is so powerful that I am feeling warm just looking at it. Bayek on his horse in the distance makes the shot for me. The bright sun next to the shadowy figure. The epitome of a Hidden One, working in the dark to serve the light.

Artic Fox

Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

VP Artist: @m_nt_13

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has such a great selection of wildlife throughout the game. However, the outstanding environments of Norway, along with the critters that live there, really stand out. The artic fox was definitely one of my favourites. Which makes it no surprise that we have featured this fantastic shot of a snowy fox wandering the mountains. This, for me, is a perfect example of animal photography. The composition and portrait style really showcases the vastness of the Norwegian fjords. I really like the fox’s stance, especially the paw held up and the head tilted to the side. You can tell it has just sensed a lumbering Viking trudging through the snow not too far away.

The Day of the Jackal

Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins

VP Artist: @xephon-70.bsky.social

One thing I always thought Assassin's Creed Origins nailed was the use of the Gods. The Egyptians were renowned for their worship to the deities so it would have been strange not to explore these avenues. Having the Anubis outfit for Bayek was pretty cool and it fits so well with the story given the path of vengeance Bayek undertook. I think this is a sensational portrait of our hero dressed as the protector of graves and guide to the afterlife. The bright white background contrasts excellently with the black of the armour, acting as a metaphor for the Assassins. I particularly like the level of detail too, further enhancing the quality of this capture.

I Never Sleep

Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins

VP Artist: @charapof.bsky.social

Assassin’s Creed Origins became the tenth new entry into this wonderful franchise and along with it a photo mode. You could say it was the perfect game for us virtual photographers as many went wild snapping amazing Egyptian vistas, and its captivating hero. Here we have a truly remarkable image of Bayek and Senu looking out across the desert. I adore the warm tones of this capture alongside the beautiful sand dunes, which add layers to the shot. Silhouettes always look good but this one in particular caught my attention. The black outline of our heroes really contrasts brilliantly with the colour palette of the background. A father and his companion seeking solace in the wilderness.

Colourful

Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

VP Artist: @SGVphoto

It’s sad to say but we are a few weeks away from the curtain falling on Assassin’s Creed Mirage. A game that has largely gone under the radar but quietly reinvigorated the series with its blend of old and new. Shadows will soon take the mantle as the newest game, so a capture like this feels fitting to close out our article. This a beautiful photo that uses colour so elegantly. It’s quite amazing how there is a mix of blue, purple and orange in the sky. I love how the light is reflecting off the water. The sun setting in the background and Basim walking to it really has a feeling of closure. Although I am doubtful this is the last time we will see this complexed hero.

And that sums it up for this Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list!

Thank you for checking out the photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next time keep those shots coming in!