I had no idea the 2024 Olympics were opening today. Or they’re in France. So I was extra surprised when the opening scene looked like a classic scene Assassin’s Creed game.
Apparently so did everyone else. This year’s Olympics opening ceremony, which kicks off in Paris on July 26 and runs until August 11, covers everything you need to know about French culture, including soccer star Zidane, a beheaded queen, and a mysterious revolutionaries – hooded period figures jumping from rooftops. what is missing is a huge french bread.
Here’s how people reacted to seeing the Halloween spirit version Assassin’s Creed The protagonist appears in international sports events:
Assassin’s Creed Publisher Ubisoft (the French company) appears to be teasing a surprise cameo in a movie for its historical reigning killer. A few posts from earlier todayone winked at the official Olympic account, and another shared the trailer Assassin’s Creed: Unity, which took place in France during the French Revolution. It’s not entirely clear how much of this is a direct homage to the country’s video game heritage rather than a vague gesture in the direction of brand revitalization.
“We were very impressed by the opening ceremony and very proud to see Assassin’s Creed was one of the inspirations for the show’s talented creators,” a Ubisoft spokesperson told my city in a statement. “This is a true testament to the power of video games on pop culture.”
While it’s always nice to see the gaming community recognized in real life, not everyone was impressed by the opening ceremony. The Budget Olympics began trending in various parts of social media, with online onlookers criticizing the event for not being held in a stadium and for feeling more like a dollar store Eurovision than a Hollywood Super Bowl halftime show.
I’m not qualified to judge. Maybe those naysayers would feel differently if the assassin jumped from the restored Notre Dame into a giant hayride.
If the French Olympics make you long for a vacation you can’t afford, Assassin’s Creed: Unity Not the worst choice. This notoriously buggy game at launch now plays well and will have you exploring Paris’ most famous landmarks in between many gruesome (but necessary) murders. It’ll cost $30 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, but you can also rent PS Plus Extra or Ubisoft+ for a monthly fee, both for under $20.
