In late October, three Norwegians journeyed to the world famous island of Lofoten to get a perfect picture of the world’s most beautiful gaming experience in a place that has inspired the actual Assassin’s Creed Valhalla game. The group had to endure everything from hail, stormy winds and freezing temperatures, but their patience finally paid off when the mysterious and beautiful northern lights finally appeared to provide the perfect backdrop to the gaming setup.
“When we heard the idea of creating what essentially must be the world’s most beautiful, if somewhat cold, gaming experience, we were immediately on board. First and foremost, the concept really fits the game”, said Michael Jensen, Communication Manager at Ubisoft Nordic. “In the photo we have a great looking gaming station in arguably one of the world’s most beautiful places, which has perhaps been the seat of one of the most powerful Viking chieftains in Norway, what more can you ask for in one picture?”
Thorough research
A few years ago, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Narrative Director, Darby McDevitt and his team visited the picturesque northern area to do their research.
“We visited the Lofoten islands for a week back at the end of 2018, and spent quite a lot of time hiking, sailing, and exploring. On our final night, we spent a full day at the Lofotr Viking museum and ended up attending a feast at the end of the night, in which we role-played as Norse clans coming together for a Thing (a Viking meeting/council). The Lofoten islands were an incredible and awe-inspiring place, and the majesty of Norway is undeniable in our version of the game, says McDevitt. And if you ask the local Norwegians, they were very happy with the visit.”
“It was a pleasure having Ubisoft and their team here. What impressed us was how well educated they were on the area and the Viking history. They had several very thorough questions about minor details that we don’t get very often. I think this dedication to detail is why the AC games have been so successful all over the world, and we truly look forward to people immersing themselves in our Viking history,” said Hege Anita Eilertsen, Head of Marketing at Lofotr Vikingmuseum.
In a real chieftain’s footsteps
Borg, where the Viking museum is located, and where the world’s most beautiful gaming experience was set up, is the historical seat of what is possibly Northern Norway’s most influential Vikings. The highlight on Borg is the largest Viking longhouse ever uncovered in the world, meaning that the chieftain that resided here over a 1,000 years ago was one of the richest and most powerful Vikings in Northern Norway. “We believe that makes the gaming experience extra special. Not only is it in what we would consider the most beautiful place on earth, it is placed on what was probably the starting point for all raids and seafaring for one of the most powerful Vikings in our part of the world, said Eilertsen.”
CREDITS
The Ubisoft Nordic teamed worked with a number of collaborators to bring this experience to life. They included PR-operatørene, an Oslo based PR agency who led the project, photographer Steffen Walstad and Kite Communications. Locally in Lofoten, the Viking museum was a prime partner in making the project happen, furthermore the project received great support from Vegeir Selboe at Destination: Lofoten. The drone film would not have been possible without the Lofoten Film Collective and the equipment of the actual gaming station was given by MSI.
Michael Jensen added: “We were really overwhelmed by the Norwegian spirit in this project, and we truly believe that all the involved parties have succeeded in creating the perfect way to experience the recently launched Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.”
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is out now, for more information go to: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/valhalla
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