1666 Amsterdam: Patrice Désilets Explains Why He Chose Amsterdam

Panache Digital Games has released a new developer diary for their upcoming adventure game, 1666: Amsterdam. The video, titled "The Vision: The Real City That Became a Myth," offers insight into the team's process of recreating 17th-century Amsterdam, a setting central to the game's blend of exploration, occultism, and witchcraft. This entry follows the game's appearance at Summer Game Fest. 1666: Amsterdam, originally a Ubisoft project, was placed on hold by the publisher. The game's creator, Patrice Désilets, was notably suspended during this period, leading to a court case that concluded in his favor after three years. Despite this lengthy development, Désilets has stated that the project, which he has carried for over fifteen years, was almost an accidental creation. His inspiration struck during a visit to Amsterdam, where he saw a facade inscribed "Anno 1666," sparking the idea for a game set in that era amidst witch hunts.

The developer diary highlights the extensive efforts made to bring 17th-century Amsterdam to life. In 2024, approximately fifty developers visited the city to meticulously capture its proportions, architecture, and atmosphere. Direct references were drawn from canals, narrow streets, tilted houses, and visible interiors. The team aimed to faithfully reproduce the cramped nature of these locations without compromising player movement. To assist in this, Panache Digital Games developed an internal tool called Housebuilder, enabling the rapid generation of realistic and varied buildings, many of which are explorable. The game's narrative spans three distinct time periods: 1666, 1999, and the present day. Players will primarily embody Noa Brooklyn, a perceptrice who wields witchcraft to expose hidden entities. Additionally, players can experience a secondary storyline as Aaron in 1999, who possesses the ability to see the world through the eyes of a cat.

A prologue demo, split into three parts corresponding to these time periods, offered players a glimpse into the game. The present-day segment features a young female student uncovering a letter linked to her family's past. In 1999, players follow two lovers on New Year's Eve. The male character in this timeline is the father of the student from the present day. The prologue also includes events from the 1666 timeline, where players can utilize Noa's powers to interact with objects, though the demo omits combat despite its suggestion in trailers. The prologue demo faced mixed reception on Steam and generated public backlash due to the use of generative AI in its art assets and marketing materials, prompting an apology from Panache Digital Games. Concerns were also raised regarding the game's visual quality and design after the demo, with some questioning if it would meet its initial promise. Historical research has been a significant component of development, with the team visiting institutions such as the Rijksmuseum and the Museum of Witchcraft to document the era's beliefs and persecutions. While some game locations are adapted or invented for gameplay needs, the studio has prioritized preserving the city's authentic identity.

Early Access Launch in '26: Patrice Désilets on Choosing 1666 Amsterdam

1666: Amsterdam is slated for an Early Access launch on PC in 2026, with console versions to follow.

In Case You Missed It

In a week filled with notable happenings in the gaming world, Ahmed Hassan kicked things off by breaking down Ubisoft's latest round of studio closures and layoffs, specifically focusing on the impactful shutdowns in Winnipeg and Belgrade, along with significant workforce reductions in Barcelona. Published just this past week, "Ubisoft to Close Two More Studios, Cut Team in Barcelona" delves into the company's cost reduction program following record-breaking losses Ubisoft to Close Two More Studios, Cut Team in Barcelona. Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events that brought joy to fans worldwide, game industry veteran Patrice Désilets announced the release of "1666 Amsterdam" on Steam. This dark fantasy adventure from Bruno Pferd (2026), set in a mysterious and mystical version of 17th century Amsterdam, promises an intriguing narrative focused on Noa Brooklyn and Aaron as they unravel the secrets behind the city's supernatural destiny. After a decade-long struggle to regain rights to his original vision, Désilets' latest game is sure to captivate fans of Assassin's Creed, given its creator's history with the franchise. Head over to Players for Life to dive into this tantalizing tale 1666 Amsterdam: It's the New Game by Patrice Désilets, Creator of Assassin's Creed, Who Left Ubisoft.