In a major milestone for the iconic video game franchise, the first new version of Prince of Persia in 14 years has been released, titled The Lost Crown. What sets this edition apart from its predecessors is that it is the first in the series to be fully voiced in Farsi, delving deeper into Persian mythology and Iranian culture. The move to use the native language of Iran is seen as a significant step towards representing and respecting the rich cultural heritage of the region within the game. This decision has been met with overwhelming positivity from fans and players worldwide, especially those with Persian heritage who have longed for authentic representation in Western media.
The Lost Crown marks a pivotal moment for Prince of Persia enthusiasts like Sam Mandi-Gohmi, who grew up playing the games with his Iranian father. This new release has finally provided the opportunity for players to experience a game that truly reflects their cultural identity and resonates with their personal experiences. With Farsi being incorporated as a full game audio option, people like Sam were pleasantly surprised and eager to share the news with their families. The inclusion of the Persian language has fostered a sense of belonging and deep appreciation among players who have felt underrepresented in Western media for decades.
The series, primarily developed by Ubisoft, has made bold strides towards authenticity by collaborating with Ubisoft Montpellier for The Lost Crown. Mounir Radi, the game’s designer, emphasized the importance of remaining true to Persian and Iranian culture throughout the development process. By doing so, Ubisoft has not only modernized the game but has also paid homage to the cultural origins and religious heritage of Persia. Zoroastrianism, a religion that originated in present-day Iran, has been artfully woven into the gameplay, offering players a unique and immersive experience.
The visual aesthetics of The Lost Crown have been inspired by Sony’s acclaimed animated film Into the Spider-Verse, resulting in stunning graphics that captivate players. The game’s producers, Abdelhak Elguess and the team at Ubisoft, take great pride in having made these strides towards cultural representation. They have received overwhelming support and appreciation from individuals hailing from Persian cultures worldwide, who feel that their voices are finally being heard and acknowledged in the entertainment industry.
One avid follower of the Prince of Persia games, Emad Saedi, expressed his delight at the inclusion of the Farsi language in the latest release. Saedi reminisced about his childhood connection to the series’ cultural references to Persia, but also highlighted an inherent dissonance between the game’s setting and the protagonist speaking English instead of Persian. The inclusion of Farsi in The Lost Crown is seen as a monumental step forward, not only in terms of enhancing the gaming experience but also in giving Iranian and Persian cultures the representation they deserve on a global platform.
Emad Saedi believes that this release signifies a significant change in the entertainment industry, offering a breath of fresh air amidst the saturation of Western culture content. He hopes that this recognition of Iran’s rich cultural potential will inspire further investment in exploring and sharing the captivating stories from their heritage. The popularity and commercial success of The Lost Crown demonstrate the demand for diverse narratives and the thirst for experiences beyond the dominant Western perspectives in gaming.
In conclusion, the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, fully voiced in Farsi, revolutionizes the iconic video game franchise. By embracing the Persian language and incorporating elements of Persian mythology, the game represents a significant shift towards cultural authenticity and representation. The overwhelmingly positive response from players with Persian heritage highlights the importance of accurate representation in Western media. The inclusion of Farsi in the game not only creates a more immersive gameplay experience but also opens doors for future projects to explore and celebrate the untapped potential of Persian culture on a global scale.
