The words “gaming” and “sarcophagus” aren’t generally ones that you would expect to be put together, but why not? Tomorrow, October 27th, marks the release of the latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed series, and to celebrate the release, studio Ubisoft, maker of Assassin’s Creed, has unveiled a partially 3D printed ancient Egyptian sarcophagus with some very modern touches.
Assassin’s Creed Origins is set in ancient Egypt, so a sarcophagus was a logical way to mark its release – as logical as a 21st-century sarcophagus can be, anyway. And this particular sarcophagus is very 21st century, having been created entirely digitally. Using data-mapping imagery from the game, a team of experienced 3D printing consultants at Hobs Studio created a 3D model of a sarcophagus that was then CNC machined from wood. SLA 3D printing was used to create the finer details; they were then bonded to the wooden body.
An artist was then commissioned to bring the sarcophagus to life (not literally, don’t worry, this isn’t The Mummy) with fine details including hieroglyphics – your standard ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics as well as some modern ones representing Ubisoft, Xbox One and Assassin’s Creed Origins. The entire thing is six feet tall and based on perhaps the most famous mummy of all time, King Tutankhamun.
“This has been an extremely exciting project to be involved in,” said Bryan Mulholland, Technical Consultant at Hobs Studio. “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.”
Using CNC machining and 3D printing to create a replica of something ancient isn’t the only way the team merged the old with the new – they also added a few additional touches, including mounting a TV screen and an Xbox One console on it. Voilà – gaming sarcophagus.
“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,” said Tom Goldberger, Senior PR Manager at Ubisoft UK. “The final result is a stunning replica of a Sarcophagus, while adding a fun, gaming twist to the famous design.”
The sarcophagus is quite a work of art; sadly, I don’t believe there are any plans to mass produce it. I’m not sure what the market might be like for gaming sarcophagi, but I can’t imagine not wanting one – if for no other reason than to be able to say to friends, “Why don’t you come over on Friday night, I’ll boot up the sarcophagus.”
Mass marketing considerations aside, this was a great way to promote a much-anticipated game. Assassin’s Creed Origins has been getting favorable reviews from critics, with many calling it the best installation since Black Flag in 2013.
It may not be quite as exciting played on a TV mounted on an ordinary wall or cabinet as opposed to a sarcophagus, but as a consolation prize, you can watch said sarcophagus being made below:
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[Images: Ubisoft]
