Ubisoft's 2018 title, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, has experienced a substantial increase in active players following the theatrical release of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey." Engagement statistics from Alinea Analytics analyst Rhys Elliot indicate that the film's launch has led to thousands of players returning to the open-world RPG.
Across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey has seen its active user base nearly double over the past week. Xbox engagement was particularly notable, with daily active users jumping from 36,000 to 84,000, a 134% increase. This surge has been further supported by Ubisoft's decision to make Assassin's Creed: Odyssey available through Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, allowing subscribers to access the game without additional purchase.
While direct software sales saw a modest increase of around 400,000 copies year-to-date, the primary benefit appears to be the significant boost in player engagement. Elliot suggested that these figures provide Ubisoft with "great ammunition" for a potential future remake, similar to the "Resynced" treatment given to Assassin's Creed: Black Flag. The film "didn't make millions buy an eight-year-old game, but it got a massive cohort playing it again," Elliot observed.
Ubisoft has capitalized on this momentum by running timed social media campaigns in sync with Nolan's film release. The company also resurfaced the game's "Discovery Tour," an educational, combat-free mode, positioning it as a companion piece for those inspired by the film's historical setting.
Assassin's Creed: Odyssey is recognized as a significant entry in Ubisoft's long-running series, praised for its vast explorable world, rich narrative weaving historical figures with myths and legends, and its deep RPG mechanics. The game has sold over 10 million copies in its first two years, with its protagonist Kassandra remaining a fan favorite who has reappeared in subsequent titles.
It is important to note that while Nolan's film and Assassin's Creed: Odyssey share thematic inspirations and a setting in Ancient Greece, their narratives are distinct. The film is set approximately 800 years prior to the events of the game. However, both stories feature an outcast navigating the Greek islands, engaging in battles against armies and mythical forces while seeking to reclaim their family ties.