The gaming world is abuzz with Ubisoft's latest release, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and the trailer is a masterpiece in itself! But how did they pull off this epic feat?
Biborg, the creative powerhouse, teamed up with Ubisoft to craft a unique trailer that showcases the diverse gameplay and player experiences. In a recent interview, creative lead Thomas Purbeck reveals the secrets behind this captivating cinematic journey.
A Shift in Perspective:
The team took a bold step by changing their viewpoint for this sequel. While Anno 1800 focused on the protagonist's in-game mindset, Anno 117 zooms out to portray the player's real-life experience. This shift allowed for a more playful and lighthearted approach, contrasting the previous CGI-heavy, aspirational tone.
A Story Within a Story:
The trailer's narrative is a clever twist. It explores the idea that each player will create a unique Roman Empire, tailored to their style. By presenting Anno 117 as a Roman fantasy generator, Biborg delved into the player's imagination and created a multiverse of Ancient Roman Governors. Casting the same actor for all characters and naming them Marcus added a clever twist, making the story engaging and easy to follow.
Four Governors, Four Playstyles:
Each governor embodies a distinct player archetype: the beauty builder, the warmonger, the min-maxer, and the fantasist. These characters brought their own quirks to the Senate debate, with each believing their approach is superior. This polarization added humor and emphasized the game's diverse strategies.
Blending Cinematic and Gameplay:
The trailer seamlessly integrates cinematic storytelling with gameplay. The gameplay moments were carefully crafted to support the narrative, showcasing the governors' visions and the game's potential. The live-action and gameplay balance allowed players to envision themselves within the game world.
Collaborative Excellence:
The collaboration between Biborg, Mathematic, KWM, and Ubisoft studios was a harmonious blend of expertise. Mathematic's direction and compositing skills opened creative doors, while KWM's gameplay capture not only showcased the game's brilliance but also captured the essence of each governor. Ubisoft's studios provided invaluable insights, feedback, and even Latin grammar knowledge, ensuring a truly collaborative and successful project.
And here's a fun fact: the attention to detail extended to Roman haircuts! But did the team go too far in their pursuit of authenticity? What do you think? Are you ready to dive into the world of Anno 117 and discover your unique Roman Empire?
