Ubisoft has released "Assassin's Creed Mirage," set in 9th Century Baghdad, which has been praised for its return to the series' roots.
Unlike previous games in the franchise where characters spoke English, "Mirage" features performances recorded in Arabic, providing players with the option of playing with Arabic dialogue.
The use of classical Arabic, a preserved form of the language, aims to provide an authentic experience.
Ubisoft ensured that Arabic lines in the game were performed by fluent Arabic speakers to maintain accuracy.
The game also pays attention to historical accuracy, with various historical experts contributing to recreate the authentic world.
Players and developers hope that "Mirage" will help change perceptions of Iraq and the Arab world, highlighting its historical importance and cultural contributions.
The release of the game comes amid reported arrests of former Ubisoft employees over sexual harassment allegations.
Early reviews of the game have been generally favorable, with some praising its more focused approach, while others have raised concerns about returning to the style of earlier franchise games.
Some hope the game's approach will inspire more Middle Eastern games development and diverse representation in the gaming industry.