Video game enthusiasts are no stranger to showing off their game room set-up, usually bathed in neon light. Ubisoft Nordic, however, has a different and more authentic approach to its gaming set-up when playing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Shared by Ubisoft Nordic’s main Twitter account, the team posted a behind-the-scenes video showcasing what they thought was “the world’s most beautiful gaming experience”. The image shows an individual who is about to embark on his Valhalla adventure, clad in fur with a red cape. He is seated in front of a desk with three monitors displaying Assassin’s Creed Valhalla wallpapers. The desk is placed underneath a blanket of stars accompanied by a magnificent display of the northern lights.
Ubisoft Nordic’s video gave us a sneak peek into the process behind Steffen Walstad’s photograph. While the set-up looks idyllic, the location would certainly cause frostbite no matter how much fur was available. Various props on the set add to the scene, including a viking’s shield sitting to the side (no doubt hiding the power supply) and a helmet resting on the desk. Snow-capped mountains can also be seen in the distance mirroring the game’s aesthetic. In between the mountains and the harbor desk is a crystal clear lake, which can be seen more clearly in the image's daylight variant.
The northern lights (or aurora borealis) appears more frequently in Nordic countries, as well as Iceland and the north of Scotland. Despite its regular appearance in these locations, patience must have played a part in creating the perfect scene for the shot, when the spectacle was in full force. In the video, fires can also be seen roaring around the set, which would have been a much-needed source of warmth for the crew. Fans of the game were impressed with Ubisoft’s picturesque creation, and who wouldn’t be blown away by the perfect Valhalla setup.
We are happy to report that Assassin’s Creed Valhalla looks as scenic in-game as Ubisoft’s vibrant photo. Our review pegged the twelfth Assassin's Creed title as an “excellent game” that identifies the true nature of vikings. We’ve also supplied you with various guides to make your experience of Valhalla as rewarding as possible, including the Wedding Horns and A Fury From The Sea guides.
Photo Credit: Steffen Walstad