The game includes a central hub called the Homestead that protagonist Connor can upgrade and use to trade like Ezio in the previous games.
Assassin’s Creed 3 producer Alex Hutchinson explained the feature in an interview: “My favourite thing about the Homestead is that in a city, you’re anonymous, you blend into the crowds. But at home, everyone knows your name. They don’t know you’re an assassin, obviously, but they live their lives, going to the tavern – assuming you’ve attracted the Innkeeper. It becomes a beautiful video game train set. But we’re aware that we’re a trading game, and that’s close to German board games.”
Connor’s action can cause new people to take up residence in the Homestead and he can also fulfill missions for them, which will unlock new items. Ubisoft also wanted to make the Homestead feel organic, which is why the village’s residents go about their daily lives.
“The guys were saying there are 35 people in your Homestead, and each one has around eight activities, with some of the most complex animation we’ve ever built – and no-one will see it! There’s one animation where the butcher takes apart a pig, and you can watch it for two minutes. There’s definitely some showing off going on,” he said.
