GAMERS are being transported back to ninth century Colchester with the town being reimagined virtually in one of the biggest video games releases of last year.
The town features prominently in the latest game in Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which was released in November.
The series is one of the biggest in gaming and has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide since the first game was released in 2007.
Cutting-edge technology was used to recreate the town as it would have looked during the Viking era including the ruins of the Temple of Claudius, where Colchester Castle now stands.
- The town as seen in Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Colchester’s formidable town walls and the remains of what was once the centre of Roman Britain is now a thriving Saxon settlement in the game, called Colcestre at the time.
On its social media platforms over the coming weeks, Colchester Museums will be showing how the video games have brought this period of the town's history to life.
Historians and artists worked closely on the game, taking inspiration from historical documents and Renaissance art to create the town.
- Saint Helena's Church in ninth century Colchester
Julie Young, councillor responsible for culture and performance, said: "Through the visuals of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Colchester Museums will give its social media followers a real opportunity to visualise what life would have looked like if they had lived in Colchester during these turbulent times.
"Join us, step back in time and go on a historical journey with us.’’
- Colchester has been recreated in Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Set at the end of the 9th Century, Assassin's Creed Valhalla introduces players to England at a time of great turmoil and change.
Britain is ruled by the Saxons, with kingdoms such as Wessex, Northumbria and Essex dividing the country.
- The ruins of Temple of Claudius, where Colchester Castle now site
In a landscape filled with the relics of the Roman past, towns and cities grow their own identity under famous rulers like King Alfred.
But envious Vikings eyeing up the rich lands and resources of England are bound to change the course of History.
You can watch a video of the virtual recreation of 9th century Colchester here:
Ever wondered what our town might have looked like in the time of #Saxons and #Vikings? With the help of @Ubisoft_UK we’re delighted to show you a reimagined #Colchester from their game #AssassinsCreedValhalla
— Colchester Museums (@ColMuseums) January 15, 2021
🤘 pic.twitter.com/p3YW5O7UJg
To find out more, visit twitter.com/yourcolchester.
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