Ubisoft's 'Valley of Memory' DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage Set in Controversial Saudi Arabia Region
Ubisoft has announced a surprise DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage, titled 'Valley of Memory', set to release on November 18. The DLC, which adds six hours of gameplay, focuses on the ancient valley of AlUla, a region in Saudi Arabia. This news has sparked curiosity and controversy, with some speculating about potential connections to real-world institutions and human rights concerns.
The DLC's story revolves around Basim discovering his father might be alive in AlUla and investigating his disappearance. AlUla, described as 'charged with history' and home to diverse landscapes, serves as the backdrop for this new adventure. The DLC's development has been reportedly funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, a move that has drawn criticism due to the country's human rights record. Some argue this could be an example of 'gameswashing', using popular games to distract from human rights abuses.
Dr. Abdulrahman Alsuhaibani, VP of culture at the Royal Commission for AlUla, was featured in the reveal stream and discussed the DLC's setting on LinkedIn. Alsuhaibani's message suggests a connection between the DLC and Saudi Arabia's cultural development plans for AlUla. The Saudi Cultural Development Fund, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is the principal partner of the Cultural Investment Conference mentioned by Alsuhaibani. However, it seems there is no specific information publicly available regarding a vice-president mentioned in the DLC and his relation to the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC, 'Valley of Memory', promises six hours of new gameplay set in the historic and culturally rich region of AlUla. While the DLC's development has sparked controversy, it also highlights the potential of video games to showcase and promote cultural heritage. As the game's release approaches, players and critics alike await the opportunity to explore this ancient valley and uncover its secrets.
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