Variety reports that the insanely popular video game series Assassins Creed is to be picked up by Sony Pictures for a big screen adaptation.
The Ubisoft game series involves an assassin in the Middle East during the Third Crusade of the 12th century, a member of the Secret Order of Hashashin (assassins). In reality, he is Desmond Miles, a modern day man accessing the memories of his ancestors through a device called the Animus. Subsequent sequels have shifted the action to 15th century Italy, where Desmond is accessing the memories of his Italian ancestor Ezio. It is unclear which of these stories will form the basis of the film, although it seems likely that the latter will.
With more than 30 million copies of the game sold worldwide, the franchise is potentially big business. The first run and stab game was released back in 2007, and met with both critical and fan acclaim. The subject sequels have improved on the formula, with a fourth game entitled Assassin’s Creed Revelations due out next month.
Sony is also developing film versions of its own video game properties, Uncharted and inFAMOUS.
Previous successful adaptations have included Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and the Resident Evil series.
No names have been attached to the project as yet.
