Ubisoft Launches Free Educational App Inspired by Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Ubisoft has introduced a new educational mobile app titled Discovery Tour: Medieval Baghdad, which is based on its popular game, Assassin’s Creed Mirage. This free app allows users to explore the rich history of 9th-century Baghdad without needing to own the original game. It leverages materials from the game’s development by Ubisoft Bordeaux, offering a unique educational experience.

The app features two primary modes designed to enhance learning through interactive content. In the “Access Codex” mode, users can delve into various encyclopedic entries covering topics such as art, science, daily life, economy, and governance. Each entry is accompanied by relevant images, making the information more engaging and easier to understand. Alternatively, the “Explore Baghdad” mode provides a narrative-focused experience where users can collect Codex entries through mini-games and immersive 360-degree exploration.

This app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms, and it can also be accessed via web browsers. Notably, Assassin’s Creed Mirage itself is playable on iOS and iPad, in addition to consoles and PC. The timing of this release is particularly interesting, coming nearly two years after the launch of the original game. It follows closely on the heels of Ubisoft’s announcement of upcoming free story downloadable content (DLC) for Mirage later this year.

Ubisoft has a history of enriching its games with educational content, having first launched the “Discovery Tour” series with Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2017. This initiative allowed players to participate in combat-free guided tours of historical settings. The series continued with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey in 2018 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 2020, each expanding the educational scope of the franchise.

In addition to enhancing the gaming experience, Ubisoft has collaborated with educational institutions to integrate the Discovery Tour into their curricula, underscoring the company’s commitment to educational outreach. However, it is worth mentioning that the recent entry into the franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, did not include a dedicated Discovery Tour mode, although it did feature in-game codexes aimed at providing cultural context.

The launch of the Discovery Tour: Medieval Baghdad app exemplifies Ubisoft’s ongoing efforts to promote learning through interactive gameplay, bridging the gap between entertainment and education. As the company continues to innovate within the gaming landscape, it remains to be seen how future titles will further develop this balance.