BREAKING: Creative Assembly is marking the 25th anniversary of its iconic game, Total War: Shogun, with a revealing retrospective video that highlights its unexpected origins. Initially conceived as a quick project to fund an ambitious RPG based on Monkey: Journey to the West, Shogun transformed the studio’s identity and trajectory in the gaming world.
New reports confirm that Creative Assembly, once synonymous with sports games, faced significant risks when pivoting to strategy gaming. Former executive producer Mike Simpson, hired in 1996, recalls, “The idea was I was going to head up a team producing an RPG… None of that happened.” Instead, the team decided to create a “quick and cheerful B-grade RTS” after the success of Command & Conquer, leading to the birth of Total War: Shogun.
This shift not only launched a legendary franchise but also solidified Creative Assembly’s position in the industry. The studio’s expertise in sports games played a crucial role in developing Shogun’s large-scale battles, as noted by principal creative director Al Hope. “We had already built up our experience… for a sports game on the screen, and… we were going to take that and really push it further,” he explained.
Total War: Shogun’s success paved the way for numerous sequels and spin-offs, establishing a dominant presence in the strategy gaming genre. Creative Assembly’s journey from sports titles to a flagship franchise showcases the studio’s adaptability and innovative spirit.
As the gaming landscape evolves, fans reflect on what could have been—a potential RPG adaptation of Monkey: Journey to the West by Creative Assembly. While other developers have explored this narrative, many hope the studio may revisit this idea in the future.
With the 25th anniversary celebrations underway, the impact of Total War: Shogun is still felt today, influencing countless strategy games and captivating new generations of players.
Stay tuned for more updates as Creative Assembly reminisces about its groundbreaking title and what lies ahead for the Total War franchise.
