The Assassin's Creed video game series debuted in 2007 with the release of Assassin's Creed.
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, the game introduced players to Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin operating during the Third Crusade. Its modern-day storyline followed Desmond Miles, whose genetic memories connected him to Altaïr.
The game grew from an idea originally conceived as a Prince of Persia spin-off. Ubisoft expanded that concept into a historical action-adventure built around freerunning, stealth, investigations, and large open environments. Its historical setting helped distinguish it from many contemporary games.
Assassin's Creed II followed in 2009 and began the story of Ezio Auditore. The franchise later moved through settings including Renaissance Italy, the Caribbean, revolutionary France, Victorian London, ancient Egypt, and Viking-era England. The first game's 2007 launch therefore marks the starting point for one of Ubisoft's major long-running series.