Netflix is working on an original Assassin’s Creed story set around 1,400 years before Ezio Auditore’s Italian adventures in the 15th century, according to Glass Almanac. This timeline places the narrative in the 6th or 7th century CE, a period that’s not been explored in the mainline game series yet.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has ventured through ancient Egypt (49 BCE in Origins), Greece (431 BCE in Odyssey), and feudal Japan (1579 CE in Shadows). A 6th-7th century setting would bridge a notable historical gap, possibly involving the Byzantine, early Islamic, or late Roman periods. Each of these eras is filled with conflict, aligning perfectly with the Brotherhood’s founding mythology.
Ubisoft and Netflix teamed up back in 2020, when they first announced their streaming deal. The partnership expanded with the animated series Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök, but this upcoming live-action series marks a significant step in how Ubisoft is expanding its IP beyond games.
This project comes at a time when the franchise is seeing renewed interest. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, released on March 20, 2025, recorded 334 million hours played and 4 billion enemies defeated in just six weeks. These impressive figures indicate that the series still has a large, active audience. Ubisoft is likely eager to turn that attention into streaming viewership.
However, community feedback on Shadows is mixed. Steam reviewers have pointed out the aggressive DLC model, with one user stating that achieving 100% completion requires about $90 USD in additional purchases beyond the base game. Currently priced at $0.99 on Steam, the base game seems heavily discounted, which might be driving downloads but could frustrate completionists aiming for achievements.
| Netflix Series Setting | ~6th–7th century CE (1,400 years pre-AC1) |
| AC Shadows Release Date | March 20, 2025 |
| Hours Played (6 weeks) | 334 million |
| Enemies Killed (6 weeks) | 4 billion |
| Cats Petted (6 weeks) | 26 million |
| AC Shadows Current Steam Price | $0.99 |
Player engagement with Shadows has been impressive. For example, players petted 26 million cats in just six weeks, showing a community that’s exploring the game thoroughly rather than just rushing through the main storyline. This level of engagement is usually a good sign for franchise expansions like the Netflix series.
One Steam reviewer didn’t hold back, saying: “Avoid. If you hunt to get 100% completions, prepare to shell out $90 USD in DLC to get the last achievement for that hundo.” This sentiment highlights a recurring issue with Ubisoft’s monetization strategy. A Netflix series, which is likely funded by subscriptions instead of relying on DLC, could avoid this problem altogether.
What To Watch
- Setting confirmation: Ubisoft and Netflix haven’t officially confirmed the century or region yet. Keep an eye out for casting announcements and production details that will help narrow down the historical context.
- Canon status: Whether the series ties directly into game lore — including Animus framing, Isu artifacts, or the First Civilization — or stands alone will influence how closely game fans engage with it.
- Ubisoft’s broader media push: With Shadows achieving strong engagement and a Netflix series in the works, Ubisoft seems to be revitalizing the franchise after a challenging 2024. Any additional media announcements — whether films, podcasts, or more series — would signal a coordinated multi-platform strategy.
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is the Reviews and Guides Editor at Explosion.com. With a background in game design studies and 6 years of gaming journalism, Sarah brings technical insight to her reviews and creates comprehensive guides that help players get the most out of their games. She has reviewed over 200 titles across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Her current obsessions include FromSoftware titles and indie roguelikes.
