Assassin's Creed III is a 2012 action-adventure game created by Ubisoft Montreal and released by Ubisoft. It is the fifth main game in the Assassin's Creed series and follows the 2011 game Assassin's Creed Revelations. The game was available worldwide on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, starting in North America on October 30, 2012. A version for Wii U and Microsoft Windows was released in November 2012. A remastered version, with improved graphics and features, was released in 2019 for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. A version for Google Stadia was released in 2021.

The story is based on real historical events and follows the long conflict between the Assassins, who work to protect peace and freedom, and the Templars, who seek peace through control. The story begins in the 21st century, where the main character, Desmond Miles, uses a machine called the Animus to relive the memories of his ancestors and stop an apocalypse in 2012. The main story takes place in 18th-century Colonial America, from 1754 to 1783. It follows two characters: Haytham Kenway, a British Templar who tries to establish his group’s influence during the French and Indian War; and Ratonhnhaké:ton (also called Connor), Haytham’s half-Mohawk son. Connor becomes an Assassin to protect his people and avenge his mother’s death, fighting the Templars’ efforts to control the American Revolution.

The game is set in an open world and uses a third-person view, where players control characters using combat and stealth skills to complete missions and explore the environment. Connor can explore 18th-century Boston, New York City, and the American frontier to complete side missions outside the main story. The game includes a multiplayer mode, where players can compete online to complete tasks like assassinations and avoid enemies. Ubisoft created a new game engine called AnvilNext for this game. Assassin's Creed III was one of the first major games to feature the Mohawk people (known as Kanienʼkehá꞉ka), an Indigenous group from North America who speak an Iroquoian language. The developers worked with cultural experts to accurately represent Mohawk traditions and characters like Connor. Several downloadable content (DLC) packs were released, including The Tyranny of King Washington, a story expansion set in an alternate timeline.

Critics praised the game for its gameplay, story, setting, and large scale, but some criticized the uneven mechanics, mission design, and pacing. The game sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. It was released with a spin-off game for PlayStation Vita called Assassin's Creed III: Liberation. A sequel, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, was released in October 2013. This game continues the modern-day story from Assassin's Creed III but is set during the Golden Age of Piracy in the early 18th century, following Edward Kenway, the father of Haytham and the grandfather of Connor. Another prequel, Assassin's Creed Rogue, which tells the story of the Templars and Assassins in Colonial America, was released in November 2014.

Gameplay

Assassin's Creed III is an action-adventure game that includes stealth gameplay. It takes place in an open world and is played from a third-person perspective. The main story follows Ratonhnaké:ton, also known as Connor, an 18th-century Assassin from Colonial America. He is involved in events during the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War. In the game's prologue, players control Connor's father, Haytham Kenway, the leader of the Colonial Templars. In modern-day parts of the game, players control Desmond Miles, a character who searches for ways to protect Earth from a solar flare in December 2012. The game world includes three main areas: Boston, New York City, and a large wilderness called the Frontier. Parts of the Eastern Seaboard and the Caribbean Sea can be explored during naval missions.

Free running in the game has been made easier, allowing players to move more smoothly through cities and the wilderness. Connor can climb trees, mountains, and cliffs. Close combat has changed, letting Connor use two weapons at once and defeat multiple enemies. Players no longer need to manage a lock-on system. Connor can use many weapons, such as muskets, swords, pistols, native tools like the tomahawk and bow, the Rope Dart (used to pull or hang enemies), and the Hidden Blades. Human shields can be used to block enemy fire. Health recovers automatically, so medicine is no longer needed. Stealth has been improved, allowing players to hide in tall grass or trees and blend in with other people.

The game includes weather effects like snow, fog, and rain. Seasons, such as summer and winter, change and affect how the game looks and plays. Snow can reduce visibility for both players and enemies, helping with stealth. The game has many animals, including domestic ones like horses, cows, and dogs, and wild ones like deer, wolves, and bears. Wild animals live in the Frontier and can be hunted for meat or marrow, which can be sold. The quality of the hunt affects the price, encouraging players to hunt quietly using traps and bait.

The game's economy is centered around the Davenport Homestead, Connor's adoptive home. People like carpenters and tailors, who have been displaced by the war, can be helped to settle there. Players can craft items, trade with them, and sell goods to cities through caravans. Helping these characters build relationships can create a small community.

A recruitment system from a previous game returns, letting players enlist citizens to join the Assassins by completing optional missions. Players can have up to six recruits, each with unique personalities, stories, and skills. These recruits can cause riots, provide cover, or set up ambushes. Other side missions include collecting pages from Benjamin Franklin's almanac, exploring tunnels for fast travel, joining clubs, investigating rumors about UFOs or Sasquatches, and finding treasure linked to Captain Kidd. New minigames like Bowls, Checkers, Fanorona, and Nine Men's Morris are also included.

Naval gameplay is introduced, where Connor controls a ship called the Aquila. Players can upgrade the ship's weapons and armor. Ship control depends on factors like wind, storms, and waves. Battles use cannons, swivel guns, and chain shots to disable enemy ships. The Aquila is used mainly during specific story and side missions.

The Wii U version includes extra features, such as changing weapons quickly and having the map always visible on the GamePad. It also supports Off TV Play, where the screen is shown on the GamePad instead of the TV.

Online multiplayer returns, featuring new modes like Wolfpack, where players work together to kill enemies, and Domination, where teams compete to capture areas. Ubisoft announced that multiplayer servers for the game, along with older titles, would shut down on September 1, 2022, later delayed to October 1, 2022.

The Remastered version improves gameplay features. Players can whistle from anywhere while hiding, not just corners. Double assassinations are easier to perform. Ranged weapons like bows and pistols can be aimed freely. The map and user interface have better icons and color-blind support. The crafting and economy systems are improved. Lighting and textures are updated to match newer technology used in other games.

Synopsis

After the release of Assassin's Creed Revelations, the next game in the series, Assassin's Creed III, takes place in a new historical setting: 18th-century Colonial America. The story follows two main characters: Haytham Kenway, a British nobleman and member of the Templar Order who travels to America to build a strong Templar presence and find an ancient temple built by the First Civilization; and Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, Haytham’s half-Mohawk son. Connor joins the Assassins to avenge the burning of his village and his mother’s death, and to stop the Templars from gaining control of the American colonies.

Haytham’s story begins in 1754 and ends in 1755, during the early years of the French and Indian War, which helped lead to the American Revolution. Connor’s story spans two decades, from 1760 to 1783, and includes events from the American Revolution and Revolutionary War as seen through Connor’s eyes. Players can explore cities like Boston and New York, as well as the American Colonial Frontier, which includes forests, cliffs, rivers, Connor’s village, and settlements like Lexington and Concord. The game allows players to hunt animals, and about one-third of the story takes place in the Frontier. Philadelphia and the Caribbean are also visited during naval missions. Connor can explore the Eastern seaboard by sailing his warship, the Aquila.

As in earlier games, Assassin’s Creed III includes modern-day segments set in 2012, following Desmond Miles as he tries to save humanity from a disaster. These segments have more missions than before, and players visit locations like a skyscraper in Manhattan, a stadium in São Paulo, Brazil, and Abstergo’s facility in Rome, Italy.

The game features many characters. Modern-day sections include returning characters like Desmond Miles (Nolan North), his father William (John de Lancie), and friends Shaun Hastings (Danny Wallace) and Rebecca Crane (Eliza Schneider). Desmond is hunted by the Templar Daniel Cross (Danny Blanco-Hall), who works for Warren Vidic (Phil Proctor), the leader of Abstergo Industries. Desmond also meets Minerva (Margaret Easley) and Juno (Nadia Verrucci), members of the First Civilization, who help him save humanity.

The main character in the game is Ratonhnhaké:ton (Noah Watts), also known as Connor, a half-English, half-Mohawk Assassin born in 18th-century America. Connor’s allies include Achilles Davenport (Roger Aaron Brown), his mentor and a retired Assassin; his mother Kaniehtí:io (Kaniehtiio Horn); his first mate Robert Faulkner (Kevin McNally); and Stephane Chapheau (Shawn Baichoo), Connor’s first Assassin recruit. Connor fights the Colonial Templars, led by his father, Haytham Kenway (Adrian Hough), who is playable in the first three parts of the game. Haytham is helped by historical figures like Charles Lee (Neil Napier), William Johnson (Julian Casey), and others. The game also includes figures like George Washington (Robin Atkin Downes), Samuel Adams (Mark Lindsay Chapman), and Thomas Jefferson (John Emmet Tracy).

After Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Desmond, William, Shaun, and Rebecca find the Grand Temple in a cave in New York and use the Apple of Eden to access it. Juno begins communicating with Desmond, and he enters the Animus to deal with a mental condition called dissociative fugue, where he relives the memories of his ancestor, Haytham Kenway. In 1754, Haytham kills a patron at the Royal Opera House to steal a key. He travels to America, recruits allies, and meets Kaniehtí:io, a Mohawk woman who helps him kill Edward Braddock, a former comrade who attacked her people. Kaniehtí:io takes Haytham to the Grand Temple, but the key doesn’t work. Haytham officially inducts Charles Lee into the Templar Order.

Desmond deduces the key is meant to open the Temple’s inner chambers and relives the memories of Ratonhnhaké:ton, Haytham and Kaniehtí:io’s son. In 1760, Kaniehtí:io dies during an attack on their village, which Ratonhnhaké:ton believes was ordered by Charles Lee. In 1769, the village elder gives Ratonhnhaké:ton a Crystal Ball that allows Juno to communicate with him. Juno leads him to Achilles Davenport, who reluctantly agrees to train him. At Achilles’ suggestion, Ratonhnhaké:ton renames himself Connor to move freely in the colonies.

Over the years, Connor becomes involved in the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War as he tries to protect his people and keep the Revolution free of Templar influence. After killing most of Haytham’s allies, Connor meets his father and works with him to eliminate a rogue Templar. Later, Haytham learns about George Washington’s plan to remove indigenous people suspected of supporting the Loyalists, including Connor’s tribe. Haytham reveals Washington ordered the attack that killed Kaniehtí:io, causing Connor to break ties with both of them. Returning to his village, Connor learns Lee recruited Mohawk warriors to fight Patriots sent to destroy them, and he is forced to kill his childhood friend Kanen’tó:kon to prevent conflict.

In the present, Desmond retrieves batteries to activate the Temple while being hunted by Daniel Cross. After William is captured, Desmond attacks Abstergo’s headquarters in Rome, kills Cross and Warren Vidic, and rescues his father, reconciling with him.

Connor struggles with the idea of killing the Templars and hopes to work with Haytham for peace. However, Haytham insists on replacing Washington with Lee to control the nation. Lee is disgraced by Washington for sabotaging the Battle of Monmouth and takes refuge in Fort George. Connor infiltrates the fort but is confronted by Haytham and reluctantly kills him. Connor later assassinates Lee, retrieves the key from Haytham, and returns to his village, which is abandoned. He buries the key in the grave of Achilles’ son, Connor Davenport, as instructed by Juno.

Desmond retrieves the key and enters the Temple’s inner chambers, where Juno reveals that he can save the world at the cost of his own life.

Development

Work on Assassin's Creed III began in January 2010, after the release of Assassin's Creed II, by a senior team of Ubisoft developers. The game took two and a half years to develop, which was the longest time since the first Assassin's Creed. Over 300 people in Montreal worked on the project, along with teams in Quebec City, France, Singapore, and Ukraine. In 2010, Ubisoft announced Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and some players confused it with Assassin's Creed III. Ubisoft clarified that Brotherhood was not the third game, and the third installment would not feature a character from previous games. Ubisoft Montreal’s developers confirmed that Assassin's Creed III would eventually be released.

Jean-François Boivin of Ubisoft said each numbered game in the series would introduce a new main character and setting. Patrice Désilets, the former creative director, stated that Assassin's Creed was planned as a trilogy. He explained that Assassin's Creed III would focus on Assassins trying to stop the end of the world in 2012. They would search for temples and Apples of Eden built by "Those Who Came Before." Desmond, the main character, would look for clues by exploring memories of his ancestors. Originally, the plan was for Desmond and Lucy to destroy Abstergo before a solar flare destroyed Earth. They would then escape on a spaceship, inspired by the story of Adam and Eve. Lucy’s name was chosen to reflect the discovery of early human fossils. However, after the success of Assassin's Creed II, the ending changed. Désilets and Alex Hutchinson decided to end Desmond’s story without the world ending, to allow more games in the series.

In October 2011, Alexandre Amacio, the creative director of Assassin's Creed: Revelations, said the next game would be released before December 2012, but he would not direct it. Amacio explained that Desmond’s story would end by December 2012, and players should not have to play a futuristic game after the time period it was set in. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed in November 2011 that a new "major" Assassin's Creed game would be released in 2012. He said the game would be the biggest in the series and that annual releases were needed to meet demand.

In February 2012, Ubisoft confirmed Assassin's Creed III would be released in North America on October 30, 2012. Guillemot called it "the true next generation" of the series and said the company was investing heavily in it. Reports that the game would be set during the American Revolution came from a supposed "inside source" at Ubisoft in January 2012. In February 2012, a promotional image of the game was shared by a Best Buy employee, and Ubisoft hinted at a major announcement. A snowy setting was shown on the series’ Facebook page, and Game Informer prepared to reveal details. Images showed the new assassin next to George Washington.

On March 1, 2012, Ubisoft released the game’s box art, confirming the American Revolution setting. The company said it would announce more details on March 5. Game Informer shared a cover feature with artwork of the new main character. On March 2, screenshots and gameplay details were leaked. On March 5, 2012, Ubisoft unveiled a cinematic trailer for Assassin's Creed III. The company called it the most ambitious project in its history, with twice the production power of any previous title. The game’s engine, AnvilNext, improved visuals, character models, and AI, allowing for large battlefields. Ubisoft aimed to make the game look "next-gen" on current consoles using AnvilNext.

When Red Dead Redemption was released during Assassin's Creed III’s development, Ubisoft noted similarities, such as wild animal hunting and a large frontier. Lead writer Corey May said the team studied Red Dead Redemption’s success and tried to use its ideas in new ways. Matt Turner, a writer on Assassin's Creed III, said the similarities were due to "a convergence of minds." Alex Hutchinson said the team avoided making the main character female because the American Revolution setting was not a strong match. He noted that while many wanted female Assassins, the setting made it difficult.

Haytham, a playable character, was a secret known only to the development team. The press focused on Connor, the main character. In 2019, Alex Hutchinson said making Haytham the surprise protagonist in the first part of the game was a good idea. It gave players a new perspective on the conflict between Assassins and Templars, as Haytham was the first playable Templar. However, his story was too long because there was no time for testing, which led to some player complaints. In Assassin's Creed Rogue, Haytham’s role was to serve as a role model for Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin who became a Templar. The actor who voiced Haytham said the writing was strong and that the team gave him freedom to shape the character.

To ensure accuracy, Ubisoft worked with Teiowí:sonte Thomas Deer, an expert on Moha.

Marketing

Ubisoft's senior vice president of sales and marketing, Tony Key, stated that the game would receive the largest marketing effort in the company's history. Ubisoft UK's managing director, Rob Cooper, mentioned that Assassin's Creed III is a good starting point for new players and believes the game can compete with other major releases in 2012. In March 2012, the Assassin's Creed: Double Pack was released as a retail item for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and as a downloadable game on PlayStation Network. This package combined the first two Assassin's Creed games into a virtual compilation.

Ubisoft partnered with multiple retail stores to offer pre-order bonuses worldwide. The specific bonus a player received depended on where they pre-ordered the game. A free SteelBook collectible with artwork by comic book artist Alex Ross was available as a pre-order incentive. The "Captain of the Aquila" downloadable content (DLC) pack included a single-player weapon (the Pirate Boarding Axe) and a single-player skin (the Captain of the Aquila's uniform). The "Colonial Assassin" DLC pack included a single-player weapon (the Scottish Flintlock) and a single-player skin (the Traditional Colonial Assassin outfit). The "Redcoat Multiplayer" DLC pack included a redcoat costume, a snake emblem, and a "doctor doll" relic. In the United States, GameStop provided the single-player mission Lost Mayan Ruins and the Sawtooth Sword, Best Buy provided the single-player mission Ghost of War and the Pontiac's War Club, and Amazon provided the SteelBook case.

SCEE offered a digital version of Assassin's Creed III through the PlayStation Store. Called the "Gold Edition," this download included the game, the PlayStation Vita title Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, and a Season Pass (a first for the series). Another version of the "Gold Edition" included the game and the Season Pass but not Liberation. A third version included Liberation but not the Season Pass. All versions included A Dangerous Secret, an extra mission available with the Special Edition.

Dutch site Entertainment Business reported that thieves stole a truck on November 14, 2012, while transporting the entire launch shipment of Assassin's Creed III for PC in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Ubisoft said the theft would not affect the game's launch because copies would be sourced from other locations. However, players who pre-ordered the "Join or Die" edition were affected because this version could not be re-manufactured. Ubisoft shared the serial numbers and barcodes of the stolen games with retailers and added them to a blacklist to prevent online authentication.

American technology company Nvidia bundled the PC version of Assassin's Creed III with its new GeForce GTX 650 Ti graphics card. This card uses the Kepler architecture, like other GPUs in Nvidia's 600 series. Nvidia stated that Assassin's Creed III makes the most use of its TXAA technology. Ubisoft Australia created a "very special, very limited" edition of Assassin's Creed III for auction to support the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation. Only ten of these editions exist, and eight were auctioned between November 30, 2012, and December 17, 2012.

On March 26, 2012, Ubisoft announced three collector's editions of Assassin's Creed III: The Freedom Edition, the Join or Die Edition, and the Special Edition. These were exclusive to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. On June 1, 2012, Ubisoft also announced the UbiWorkshop Edition. Ubisoft and Sony partnered to offer the game as a bundle with the PlayStation 3 console, available from the game's release date. On release day, the PlayStation 3 version of Assassin's Creed III included four exclusive single-player missions titled The Benedict Arnold Missions. These missions focus on Benedict Arnold and his connection to surrendering West Point to the British. Scriptwriter Matt Turner said these missions are among the most historically accurate in the game, as some scenes include actual words spoken by key figures during the events at West Point, based on court records.

• The Freedom Edition includes a retail copy of the game, a steel book case with cover art by Alex Ross, George Washington's notebook, a 24 cm figurine of the main character, Connor, and two exclusive lithographs. In-game content includes two exclusive single-player missions (Ghost of War and Lost Mayan Ruins) and an additional multiplayer character (Sharpshooter).
• The Join or Die Edition includes a retail copy of the game, Connor's medallion (the Assassin medallion with a curd ladle), and George Washington's notebook. In-game content includes one exclusive single-player mission (Ghost of War) and an additional multiplayer character (Sharpshooter).
• The Special Edition includes a retail copy of the game and special packaging. In-game content includes one exclusive single-player mission (A Dangerous Secret).
• The UbiWorkshop Edition includes a retail copy of the game, the second edition of the Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia, exclusive packaging, five rare prints, and a new graphic novel titled Assassin's Creed: Subject 4.
• The Limited Edition includes a retail copy of the game, a 24 cm figurine of Connor, an embroidered 28" x 48" Assassin's Creed-inspired Colonial flag, a 3" x 3.25" metal belt buckle with the Assassin insignia, and George Washington's notebook. In-game content includes one exclusive single-player mission (Lost Mayan Ruins). This edition was not available in the UK or Europe due to concerns about anti-British content.
• The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a retail copy of the game, George Washington's notebook, and the official Assassin's Creed III soundtrack. In-game content includes three exclusive single-player missions, two skins (The Captain of the Aquila's uniform and The Colonial Assassin outfit), and two additional multiplayer characters (Sharpshooter and Redcoat). It also includes the Benedict Arnold DLC, previously exclusive to the PlayStation 3. This edition is available only for PC.
• The Washington Edition includes all three parts of the Tyranny of King Washington DLC, the Hidden Secrets Pack, and the Battle Hardened Pack. It was released on June 20, 201

Downloadable content

On October 3, 2012, Ubisoft announced a Season Pass for downloadable content (DLC) available for six months on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. The pass provides buyers access to three Tyranny of King Washington DLC packs: The Hidden Secrets pack, which includes preorder and retailer-exclusive bonus material; and The Battle Hardened pack, which adds new maps and characters for multiplayer. Players who purchased the pass received access to DLC one week earlier than other gamers.

The Remastered version of Assassin's Creed III includes all previously released DLC, except multiplayer content, which was removed. This version also includes exclusive legacy outfits based on characters from later games in the series: Edward Kenway from Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Shay Patrick Cormac from Assassin's Creed Rogue, Arno Dorian from Assassin's Creed Unity, Jacob Frye from Assassin's Creed Syndicate, Bayek from Assassin's Creed Origins, and Alexios from Assassin's Creed Odyssey. It also includes Aguilar de Nerha's outfit from the live-action Assassin's Creed film.

Ubisoft's Uplay system allows players to earn in-game rewards by collecting points from playing the game. Available rewards include an "Assassin's Creed III Theme" (for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC); "The Life Scratcher Pack," which increases Connor's tool pouch capacity and unlocks exclusive multiplayer items; "Ezio's Outfit," a costume similar to Ezio Auditore's from Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood with a differently colored cape; and "The Renegade Pack," which unlocks the Multiplayer Night Stalker costume and additional profile items.

On December 4, 2012, The Hidden Secrets Pack was released to Season Pass holders on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. All players received the pack on December 11, 2012, and Wii U players received it on January 17, 2013. The pack includes three missions (The Lost Mayan Ruins, The Ghost of War, and A Dangerous Secret), which unlock the Sawtooth Cutlass, Pontiac War Club, and Flintlock Musket, respectively. It also includes two single-player costumes (the Captain of the Aquila and the Colonial Assassin) and two multiplayer characters (the Redcoat and the Sharpshooter). All content was previously available as preorder bonuses or in special game editions.

Announced on December 4, 2012, with The Hidden Secrets Pack, The Battle Hardened Pack includes new multiplayer maps and characters. On January 8, 2013, the pack was released to all players on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with a PC release on January 15 and a Wii U release on January 17. The pack includes the Governor, Highlander, and Coyote Man multiplayer characters and the Charlestown, Fort St-Mathieu, and Saint Pierre maps.

On October 3, 2012, Ubisoft announced the first major story-driven DLC for the game, titled The Tyranny of King Washington. The story follows an alternate history where George Washington takes control of an Apple of Eden, becomes corrupted, and declares himself king. The player, Connor, must work to overthrow him. The single-player campaign is divided into three parts: The Infamy (released February 19, 2013), The Betrayal (released March 19, 2013), and The Redemption (released April 23, 2013).

Reception

Assassin's Creed III received mostly positive reviews. Critics praised the story, gameplay (especially the naval missions), setting, and scale. Some complaints included uneven mechanics, missions that did not allow much freedom, and pacing issues. Metacritic, a website that collects reviews, gave the PlayStation 3 version a score of 85 out of 100, the Xbox 360 version 84/100, the Wii U version 85/100, and the PC version 80/100.

Daniel Bischoff of GameRevolution gave the game 5 out of 5 stars, saying it combined the best parts of the series and was easy for new players to enjoy. IGN scored the game 8.5/10, calling it impressive for its setting and variety of activities, but noted that some missions limited the player’s freedom. GameSpot also gave it 8.5/10, saying it improved gameplay in fun ways but had some flaws. Game Informer gave it 9.5/10, calling it a strong sequel with a large and detailed world.

G4 said the game was not perfect but had a lot of content, including story and multiplayer. Official Xbox Magazine gave it 8.5/10, praising its refined gameplay and setting, but mentioned pacing problems. PC Gamer was more critical, giving it 72/100, and said mission design and too many new features hurt the game. Jose Otero of 1Up.com gave it a decent score but said the gameplay felt too similar to earlier games in the series.

Connor, the main character, had mixed reactions. Some critics compared him unfavorably to his father, Haytham, and earlier protagonists. One reviewer said Connor’s skills improved but his personality did not change much, calling him “duller” than other characters. Others noted that Haytham, the father, was well-received and contrasted with Connor’s lack of development. A reviewer for PC Gamer said the writers liked Haytham more than Connor, even though Haytham was a surprise protagonist.

The game’s depiction of Native Americans, including Connor, received mixed responses. Some people were upset because Connor was shown using a tomahawk, a traditional weapon, in a way that reinforced old stereotypes. Critics also said the game focused too much on Connor’s suffering and made him seem pitiable, while he mostly helped white characters.

Assassin’s Creed III was nominated for six awards in the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards, including Game of the Year and Best Action Adventure Game. It won an award for animation and was nominated for other categories. The game was also recognized for its audio, story, and technology.

Ubisoft, the game’s developer, said it sold more pre-orders than any previous game in the series. It was the best-selling game in the United Kingdom during its release week, doubling the sales of Assassin’s Creed II and surpassing the sales of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations by over 117,000 units.

Series continuation

The game series Assassin's Creed focuses on cycles. These include the stories of Ezio and Altair, which end in the game Revelations, and the story of Desmond, which was expected to conclude in December 2012. The series also includes many other cycles, as history is a central theme in the games.

In September 2012, the main writer of the franchise, Corey May, said that the story of Assassin's Creed III leaves room for future games. Julien Laferrière, an associate producer, explained that new games featuring the character Connor depend on how players respond to him. He noted that three games with Ezio were made because players liked him.

In November 2012, a report suggested that Ubisoft, the company that makes the games, may release another game in the series the following year. The report mentioned a survey asking players about their interest in returning characters like Desmond and Connor, as well as the American Revolution setting. It also asked about player opinions on cooperative gameplay and a game called Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, which might indicate a shift toward more scripted gameplay.

On February 28, 2013, Ubisoft shared the first promotional image and cover for their next game, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. This game follows the modern story of Assassin's Creed III and serves as a prequel to its earlier events. It is set in the Caribbean during the Golden Age of Piracy and follows Edward Kenway, the father of Haytham Kenway and the grandfather of Connor, who are the main characters in Assassin's Creed III.