Which 2007 game was the first released title in the Assassin's Creed franchise?

Assassin's Creed, released in 2007, was the first game released in the Assassin's Creed franchise.

The original title introduced Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, the Levantine Assassins, the Templars, and the Animus framework. Its historical story takes place during the Third Crusade in 1191, while its modern-day sections follow Desmond Miles. The game established the series' emphasis on parkour, stealth, historical cities, and a conflict spanning different eras.

Assassin's Creed II followed in 2009 and began Ezio Auditore's trilogy. Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines was a later handheld title, while Origins was released much later as a prequel to the Brotherhood's historical roots. The 2007 game is therefore the franchise's first released entry, not simply the earliest game chronologically within its fictional history.