Today, Ubisoft has unveiled a ‘one of a kind’ machine-crafted Sarcophagus, inspired by the Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, Tutankhamun. Created through the merging of the latest printing and machining technology, the 3D replica model has been crafted with cutting-edge pre-programmed modelling science, to mark the global launch of Assassin’s Creed Origins on Friday 27th October, 2017.
Using data-mapping imagery from Assassin’s Creed Origins, the latest instalment in the best-selling franchise, an image of a sarcophagus was generated by a team of 3D printing consultants at Hobs Studio, London, before the main body of the model was machined from wood, using Computer Numerical Control technology.
The finer details of the 6ft sarcophagus were then created using a printing process called Stereolithography (SLA). The SLA technique uses a high-powered UV laser to “cure” liquid resin into a solid plastic, building the individual parts up layer by layer. Once complete, these parts were bonded with the main wooden body of the Sarcophagus figure. A dedicated artist was then commissioned to bring to life the detailed finesse of one of the most recognisable Ancient Egyptian relics, sitting alongside the ‘modern day’ hieroglyphics of Ubisoft, Xbox One and Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Lastly, the Sarcophagus was mounted with a TV screen and an Xbox One X console, transforming the unit into the perfect 21st century gaming cabinet, complete with an integrated holder to place the Xbox One controller on.
Synonymous with Ancient Egypt, the sarcophagus was reserved for royalty and elites – carved and gilded by the finest craftsmen of the time. Bringing to life this iconic artefact, using the latest printing and machining technologies, Ubisoft has aligned the old with the new as it showcases how this seminal antiquity could be made today. It also reflects the journey the development team haven taken in bringing the world of Ancient Egypt to life in the game, utilising the latest hardware technology.
Bryan Mulholland, Technical Consultant at Hobs Studio said: “This has been an extremely exciting project to be involved in. The process of bringing together a multitude of different technologies is no mean feat, but we worked closely with Ubisoft to ensure that every part of the process told a story and merged the old with the new to create something magnificent.”
Tom Goldberger, Senior PR Manager at Ubisoft UK said: “As a publisher at the heart of the latest technological advancements in the videogames industry, we really wanted to showcase another innovative technology, alongside one of the most powerful images associated with Ancient Egypt – our new in-game setting in Assassin’s Creed Origins. The final result is a stunning replica of a Sarcophagus, while adding a fun, gaming twist to the famous design.”
Set in Ancient Egypt at the time of Cleopatra, Assassin’s Creed Origins is a brand new vision for the franchise, embracing Action-RPG elements, where players level up, loot, and choose their abilities to customise their very own skilled Assassin, as they discover the origins of the Assassin’s Creed itself. They will also experience a completely new combat system, allowing them to attack and defend multiple enemies at once, fighting against dangerous factions and wild beasts as they explore a gigantic and unpredictable land.
Assassin’s Creed Origins will be available on October 27th, 2017, for Xbox One PlayStation4 and Windows PC, and on Xbox One X at its launch on November 7th, 2017.
