Assassin’s Creed Creator’s New Game Channels Fine Art And Slasher Cinema
Patrice Désilets, the creative director behind the Assassin’s Creed franchise, has unveiled his next project following a 16-year development cycle. 1666: Amsterdam is a supernatural dark fantasy game centered on witchcraft and mysticism, developed by Panache Digital Games. The title was re-revealed at Summer Game Fest 2026 after its original development began at THQ in 2011, continuing following the publisher’s closure.
The game distinguishes itself through deliberate artistic direction inspired by Dutch Golden Age painting. Panache Digital Games detailed this vision in a recent developer diary, showcasing how the aesthetic approach shapes the game’s mystery and supernatural themes. The narrative spans three distinct time periods—the late 17th century, 1999, and the present day—allowing players to experience the witchcraft-centered story across vastly different historical contexts.
The extended development timeline reflects the ambition behind the project, which aims to establish its own identity in a competitive market through atmospheric storytelling and visual artistry. With the Summer Game Fest re-reveal, the game has begun building momentum toward release.