Ubisoft: Desmond's Assassin's Creed Days Are Numbered

We've seen quite a few Assassin's Creed releases since the first one hit shelves back in 2007, and even though we've met a lot of different characters along the way, one thing has remained the same: modern-day assassin Desmond Miles is constantly featured throughout the series. That may not be the case for much longer, however, as Assassin's Creed 3 creative lead Alex Hutchinson tells Polygon that the Desmond story line has to wrap up sooner or later, presumably with the series continuing after Desmond's tale has come to an end. According to Hutchinson, the Assassin's Creed series risks losing "resonance" with fans if Desmond's over-arcing story line continues on for too much longer.

"I think Desmond needs to end," Hutchinson said. "At some point. You know what I mean? Things that go on too long lack resonance. We're asking people to remember seven years' worth of story. Which is like saying you were in junior high and now you're finishing college. And you need to remember what you were doing in junior high."

Hutchinson compared Desmond's part in the Assassin's Creed universe to Rod Sterling's role introducing each episode of The Twilight Zone, saying despite the fact that each episode had its own unique story, Sterling was there at the beginning of each one. Therefore, Desmond and Sterling both kind of serve as the one constant in an otherwise always-changing universe.

If you've seen any screenshots or trailers for Assassin's Creed 3, then you know it's a pretty radical departure from the rest of the series. Hutchinson says that it's "90% a new game" and, were it not for the continuation of Desmond's story, Ubisoft "could have called it anything else, and people would have said okay." Assassin's Creed 3 won't be the only title in the series to step into uncharted territory, as the PS Vita's upcoming Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation doesn't even feature Desmond at all. It looks like Desmond's last hurrah may be coming up sooner rather than later folks, so get in some quality time with the character while you still can.