Re-Calibrating Steampunk London: Heterotopia and Spatial Imaginaries in Assassins Creed: Syndicate and The Order 1886

Video games have become important but understudied narrative media, which link into as well perpetuate popular forms of cultural memory. They evoke and mediate space (or the illusion thereof) in unique ways, literally putting play Doreen Massey’s theory being produced through a multiplicity trajectories. I examine how Assassins Creed: Syndicate The Order 1886 (both 2015) configure neo-Victorian London simulated, spatio-temporal imaginary urban texture becomes readable storytelling device itself, interrogate their heterotopias are mediated spatial experience. Both conjure up imaginaries steampunk counter-site sourced from commenting on Victorian city Through retro-speculation, they re-calibrate playground offering alternative agency adventure or cyberpunk-infused hyper-city. In so doing, invite player to re-evaluate, experience such heterotopic London, shared ‘the city’ Victorian’.