Karl-Anthony Towns: From NBA All-Star to Assassin's Creed Enthusiast

Karl-Anthony Towns, the five-time NBA All-Star and New York Knicks center, has long been a devoted fan of the Assassin's Creed series. Since the first game's release in 2007, Towns has followed the franchise closely, finding a unique connection between his love for basketball and gaming.

A Lifelong Fan Towns' interest in Assassin's Creed was sparked by the experimental multiplayer mode in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. "Brotherhood solidified my love and passion for Assassin's Creed," Towns told ESPN. "I was in college and able to play with my teammates -- Willie Cauley-Stein and Derek Willis -- for the first time and experience the world with my teammates."

Gameplay and Historical Depth The latest installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set in feudal Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in 1579. Players can take on the roles of Fujibayashi Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a samurai. This dual-character approach offers a versatile gameplay experience, appealing to Towns' fluid style both on and off the court.

"What surprised me about AC Shadows was the ability to change characters at any time," Towns said. "I've never seen that before. That's the cool part. There were times when I was ready to walk through the front door and start getting aggressive. But then there are other times you're like, 'I can really save myself a lot of time by being sneaky and getting exactly what I need to get done and getting up out of there.'"

A World of Detail During the demo, Towns found himself captivated by the game's intricate world. "I was looking at the animals around and drawing animals," he said. "So that was right away. Then it started showing me I could do it more, and I was like, 'No, no, no, I don't got enough time to keep going around.' I'll do my 100% completion route when the game comes out. The world's so beautiful. They put so much detail into it."

Historical Accuracy and Learning Towns, a self-proclaimed history buff, appreciates the game's commitment to historical accuracy. "Social studies was my favorite class. So being able to have a game that really strives to be historically accurate allows me to learn," he explained. The game's setting during a period of cultural upheaval, with the East trying to retain its values against Western encroachment, adds a layer of depth that resonates with Towns.

Assassin's Creed Shadows releases Thursday, and Towns is eagerly anticipating diving back into the world of Assassin's Creed, blending his love for history, gaming, and teamwork.