Design study for the main character – Princess Yeon Ja, as well as other key characters, created within the framework of the fictional part of the Assassin’s Creed game. The events of the project take place in Korea during the Joseon era, immersing us in the rich culture and historical atmosphere of that time.
The project was developed by talented artist Ari He under the guidance of experienced mentor Gabriel Tan, art director from Ubisoft Chengdu. The study includes unique costumes, weapons and gameplay elements that fit harmoniously into the historical context and style of the franchise.
The work showcases an in-depth analysis of Korean cultural heritage, capturing the spirit of the era and adding a unique flavor to the familiar Assassin’s Creed universe.
Wako: Japanese Pirates and Yangban
During the Joseon Dynasty, Japanese bandits known as "wako" (Japanese pirate companies) often raided the coasts of China and Korea, plundering villages and causing chaos. Based on this historical context, the author set himself the goal of creating the image of a gang of wandering thugs.
Members of this gang are distinguished https://magical-casino.co.uk/ by a variety of equipment: from stolen armor and weapons to crudely crafted ones or assembled from scrap materials. Their appearance emphasizes the chaotic and improvised nature of the group.
The gang leader, who acts as a mini-boss, is a former samurai turned bandit. He stands out not only for his skill with a sword, but also for his use of a musket, adding a long-range advantage to combat. His personality and style demonstrate a combination of the discipline of his samurai background and the brutality of the pirates.
In addition to the bandits, representatives of the elite of Joseon-era Korea – Yangban – play an important role in this historical context. This is a class of aristocrats, consisting of scientists and warriors who held high positions in the administrative system of the state.
Exploring the Fashion of Joseon Era Korea
Preparatory research into fashion, textile patterns, and hairstyles of Joseon-era Korea plays a key role in creating an authentic visual look for the game. This stage includes a detailed analysis of traditional clothing, materials and symbolism to convey the rich cultural atmosphere of the time.
The main element of Korean fashion of that period was hanbok – a national costume that varied depending on social status, profession and age. For the nobility, hanbok fabric was often decorated with intricate embroideries reflecting status and symbolic motifs such as phoenixes, cranes or lotus flowers. The common people wore clothes made of cotton or linen, most often plain.
Textile patterns of the Joseon period had deep symbolic meaning, reflecting wishes for longevity, prosperity and harmony. These patterns were used not only in clothing, but also in the decoration of homes, which could also be displayed in the game world.
Hairstyles also played an important role:
For men they differed sangtuk (tied up in a bun) and wearing headdresses such as khat (traditional hat).
Women decorated their hair with elaborate hairpins binyo and wore decorative headdresses on special occasions.
This research not only brings the game’s characters to life, but also makes their appearance culturally accurate, highlighting the richness of Korean history and its unique place in the world of Assassin’s Creed.
Well, I wanted to plunge into this game?) I also hope that after Assassin’s Creed Shadows Ubisoft will decide to go to the East. And there, believe me, there are many incredible stories and cultural treasures worthy of attention!