Title: Slavery in Anno 117: A Fresh Perspective on a Challenging Historical Truth
The Anno franchise has consistently been recognized for its intricate mechanics of city-building, economic simulations, and immersive historical contexts. Spanning from the Age of Discovery through to the Industrial Revolution, each release has granted players the opportunity to mold the world in various historical periods. Yet, one significant aspect of history that the series has typically avoided is the more somber facets of human existence—especially slavery.
In Anno 1800, which unfolds in the 19th century, the subject of slavery was mostly sidestepped, despite its historical importance. Although the game touched upon issues like child labor and colonial exploitation, it refrained from directly confronting slavery. The only subtle reference to the topic emerged through the AI character George Smith, whose background suggested the matter without integrating it into gameplay. This choice sparked mixed reactions: some players welcomed the choice to steer clear of such a grim topic in a game designed for entertainment, while others condemned the omission as a distortion of history.
With Anno 117, Ubisoft is adopting a novel approach. Taking place in the Roman Empire—a society where slavery was integral—the developers faced a unique challenge: how to recognize this historical truth without making it a feature of the game that could be played or exploited.
Slavery in Anno 117: Not a Feature, But Not Overlooked
In Anno 117, slavery will not serve as a game mechanic. Players will not oversee slaves as a distinct population class, nor will they be able to trade or exploit them for financial benefit. This decision is in line with the series’ enduring philosophy of preserving an overall positive tone, even within historically intricate settings.
Nevertheless, in contrast to prior titles, slavery will not be brushed aside. The development team has emphasized that while they do not wish for players to partake in slavery, they also do not intend to erase its existence from historical discourse. Instead, they plan to acknowledge it through narrative and character arcs.
Introducing Ben-Baalion: A Human Perspective on History
To respectfully and meaningfully explore the issue, Anno 117 presents a new character: Ben-Baalion, a slave of the emperor. Ben-Baalion acts as the player’s advisor during the game, assisting with mechanics and occasionally articulating the concerns of the wider populace.
This narrative decision provides a voice to historically marginalized individuals and helps to humanize the concept of slavery without integrating it into gameplay mechanics. Ben-Baalion is depicted as clever, perceptive, and vital to the player’s achievements, offering a sophisticated portrayal of a slave in Roman culture.
While Ubisoft has yet to reveal the full scope of Ben-Baalion’s significance in the story, it is anticipated that his narrative will intertwine with the larger storyline, potentially granting players a deeper insight into Roman society and the experiences of those who endured captivity.
Liberti: A Historical Middle Ground
In place of slaves, the first population tier in the game is comprised of liberti—freed slaves who possessed certain rights and could engage in societal roles. Historically, liberti often maintained a dependent relationship with their former owners, and their freedoms were accompanied by social and economic constraints.
By incorporating liberti as a labor demographic, Anno 117 addresses the intricacies of Roman social hierarchies without compelling players to engage in ethically questionable gameplay. This represents a compromise that achieves historical accuracy while adhering to the ethical standards of the series.
A Progressive Step in Historical Representation
Anno 117 signifies a considered progression in the manner the Anno series addresses challenging historical subjects. By granting slavery a narrative presence in lieu of a mechanical one, Ubisoft seeks to strike a balance between authenticity and conscientiousness. This strategy allows players to engage with history in a critical manner, without reducing human suffering to a resource to be exploited.
While some may contend that this still sanitizes historical narratives, it is a notable advancement from previous games that predominantly ignored these themes. By featuring characters such as Ben-Baalion and recognizing the role of liberti, Anno 117 paves the way for richer storytelling within historical gaming.
Conclusion
Slavery was an undeniable reality of the Roman world, and Anno 117 does not shy away from this truth. Rather than making it a game feature, the developers have opted to depict it through narrative and character, providing players with a more respectful and thoughtful experience. It’s a sensitive balance, but one that could establish a new benchmark for how strategy games confront the darker aspects of human history.
As the release date approaches, it will be fascinating to observe player reactions to this new direction—and whether it ushers in a trend for more historically truthful yet ethically aware game design in the future.