Winchester’s newest visitor attraction, 878 AD, has opened its doors to the public. The new, immersive experience is the result of a partnership between Winchester-based charity Hampshire Cultural Trust and Ubisoft, creators of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and uses the world of the global bestselling gaming series to bring Anglo-Saxon Winchester to life.
At a celebration event, 878 AD was officially opened by Paul Sapwell, Chief Executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, Amy Jenkins-Le Guerroué, Strategic Alliances Director at Ubisoft, Cllr Rob Humby, Leader of Hampshire County Council and Leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Martin Tod. Both Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council are supporters and funders of the project. Over 140 people attended the launch event, including partners, advisers, funders, donors and staff who were all instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
Starting at The Brooks Shopping Centre in the heart of Winchester, 878 AD is an experience is in two parts: an interactive visitor attraction with live performance and an augmented reality, self-led app tour of Winchester, 878 AD: Winchester Revealed, which has been developed by one of the UK’s leading immersive tech innovation studios, Sugar Creative. Both parts have been brought to life with the spectacular world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The experience takes visitors back to a pivotal point not only in the history of the city, but in the history of England as an emerging, unified nation: the defeat of the Vikings by Alfred the Great at the Battle of Edington in May 878. 878 AD recreates the atmosphere of the city and the lives of the people who lived in it on the eve of the battle, as they anxiously await its outcome.
‘878 AD is without a doubt the most exciting and innovative project that we have embarked on at Hampshire Cultural Trust,’ said Paul Sapwell, the charity’s Chief Executive. ‘Our partnership with both Ubisoft and Sugar Creative has resulted in a visitor attraction that is unique. The incredible world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, combined with the augmented reality technology used in the 878 AD: Winchester Revealed app, has given us the opportunity not only to reach new audiences but to break down some of the barriers that can hold people back from discovering our heritage. 878 AD is all about interpreting history in a new and exciting way for those who may not be interested in visiting a traditional museum, opening up history for everyone to discover.’
Cllr Lucille Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business & Culture at Winchester City Council, commented: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting this innovative attraction in Winchester. We have a deep and fascinating heritage and to see Anglo-Saxon Wessex recreated through Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a must see. Given the draw of the game, we know that residents and visitors alike will travel to take part in this immersive experience, benefitting our local economy too.’
‘The Assassin's Creed video game series is based on a detailed and vibrant reconstruction of cities, monuments, civilisations and everyday life, offering a leap into history for hundreds of millions of players around the world,’ commented Amy Jenkins-Le Guerroué, Strategic Alliances Director at Ubisoft. ‘Our production teams have created a representation of Anglo-Saxon England and of Winchester in particular for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Discovery Tour: Viking Age, its educational experience; and we are thrilled to see it contribute to such a meaningful cultural initiative, showing how video games can be an effective learning tool.’
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby, said: ‘878 AD takes a uniquely entertaining approach by delving into history through the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The aim is to use digital storytelling to bring Hampshire’s extraordinary history alive in a radically different way. The County Council is delighted to have provided funding for this fantastic new attraction for Winchester which will provide a welcome boost to the city’s economy.’
To find out more about 878 AD and to book tickets, please visit 878ad.co.uk.