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Animus is not self-aware, it reqs installed language programs. These are limited by how complete the coders make them. Not all language heard is spoken by Animus host, either.
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{{Quote|Our DNA functions as an archive. It contains not only genetic instructions passed down from previous generations, but memories as well. The memories of our ancestors.|Warren Vidic, a leading figure in genetic memory, 2012.|Assassin's Creed}}
{{Quote|Our DNA functions as an archive. It contains not only genetic instructions passed down from previous generations, but memories as well. The memories of our ancestors.|Warren Vidic, a leading figure in genetic memory, 2012.|Assassin's Creed}}
[[File:AC1 Animus 1.28.png|thumb|250px|The Animus, a machine used to decode genetic memory]]
[[File:AC1 Animus 1.28.png|thumb|250px|The Animus, a machine used to decode genetic memory]]
'''Genetic memory''' is the collection of memories of one's ancestors that are passed down into subsequent generations through DNA. It enables instinctive skills in animals, and acted as an archive of history in [[humans]].
'''Genetic memory''' is the collection of memories of one's ancestors that are passed down into subsequent generations through DNA. It enables instinctive skills in animals, and acted as an archive of history in [[human]]s. The corporation [[Abstergo Industries]] developed the [[Animus]] virtual machine explicitly to decode and render such memories in a three-dimensional feed, allowing the reliving of past events and the discovery of hidden information. After extraction, genetic memories could also be reviewed by people who did not hold them, through the use of Abstergo's Animus-compatible software called the Data Dump Scanner.
 
The corporation [[Abstergo Industries]] developed the [[Animus]] virtual machine explicitly to decode and render such memories in a three-dimensional feed, allowing the reliving of past events and the discovery of hidden information. After extraction, genetic memories could also be reviewed by people who did not hold them, through the use of another Abstergo creation, the [[Animus#Data Dump Scanner|Data Dump Scanner]].


==Animus Project==
==Animus Project==
{{Main|Animus Project}}
{{Main|Animus Project}}
[[File:AC2 Clay Desmond Memory Match.png|250px|thumb|left|Animus comparing two subjects for matching memory data]]
[[File:AC2 Clay Desmond Memory Match.png|250px|thumb|left|Animus comparing two subjects for matching memory data]]
Genetic memory and the Animus gave Abstergo the opportunity to discover previously unknown details of history, as well as gather information about their enemies and the [[Pieces of Eden]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref><ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
Genetic memory and the Animus gave Abstergo the opportunity to discover previously unknown details of history, as well as gather information about their enemies and the [[Pieces of Eden]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref><ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> This eventually led to the creation of the [[Animus Project]], headed by [[Doctor]] [[Warren Vidic]].<ref name="AC" /> The project involved acquiring several human subjects with historically relevant ancestors, particularly those of notable [[Assassins]] or [[Templars]], and analyzing their genetic memories.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref> Animus Subjects 1 through 17 were placed into the Animus for extensive review, where large sections of their genetic memories were analyzed.<ref name="AC" />
 
This eventually led to the creation of the Animus Project, headed by Dr. [[Warren Vidic]].<ref name="AC" /> The project involved acquiring several human subjects with historically relevant ancestors, particularly those of notable [[Assassins]] or [[Templars]], and analyzing their genetic memories.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref> Animus Subjects 1 through 17 were placed into the Animus for extensive review, where large sections of their genetic memories were analyzed.<ref name="AC" />


==Limitations==
==Limitations==
{{Quote|Unfortunately, when we try and open the memory, your mind withdraws. You lack the confidence to step into your ancestor's body.|[[Lucy Stillman]] during Desmond Miles' early use of the Animus, 2012.|Assassin's Creed}}[[File:AC1 Animus Wall.png|thumb|250px|An Animus Wall, representing user's inability to sync with the memory]]
{{Quote|Unfortunately, when we try and open the memory, your mind withdraws. You lack the confidence to step into your ancestor's body.|Lucy Stillman during Desmond Miles' early use of the Animus, 2012.|Assassin's Creed|21st century conversations}}[[File:AC1 Animus Wall.png|thumb|250px|An Animus Wall, representing user's inability to sync with the memory]]
Genetic memories could be obtained from both willing or unwilling subjects. Should one not co-operate in entering an Animus and reliving a memory, a coma could simply be induced on the subject and the memories extracted from their dormant mind.<ref name="AC" />
Genetic memories could be obtained from both willing or unwilling subjects. Should one not co-operate in entering an Animus and reliving a memory, a coma could simply be induced on the subject and the memories extracted from their dormant mind.<ref name="AC" /> However, in regards to this method, [[William Miles]] revealed that by being uncooperative and refusing to move, it would make reviewing memories hard enough so that it would take weeks to try and force such information out of an individual.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref> Even when done voluntarily, initially reliving genetic memories could prove difficult, as most participants subconsciously rejected the foreign memories. Traumatic genetic memories were also difficult to access, at least until the subject had greatly increased their [[synchronization]] with their ancestor.<ref name="AC" /><ref name="Brotherhood" />
 
However, in regards to this method, [[William Miles]] revealed that by being uncooperative and refusing to move, it would make reviewing memories hard enough so that it would take weeks to try and force such information out of an individual.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>
 
Even when done voluntarily, initially reliving genetic memories could prove difficult, as most participants subconsciously rejected the foreign memories. Traumatic genetic memories were also difficult to access, at least until the subject had greatly increased their [[synchronization]] with their ancestor.<ref name="AC" /><ref name="Brotherhood" />


Additionally, genetic memory of one individual stopped upon the conception of the next ancestor, from which the viewer was descended. On the occasion where [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] and [[Maria Thorpe]] conceived [[Sef Ibn-La'Ahad|their second son]], Desmond's ancestral memories shifted from Altaïr to the child.<ref name="AC2" />
Additionally, genetic memory of one individual stopped upon the conception of the next ancestor, from which the viewer was descended. On the occasion where [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] and [[Maria Thorpe]] conceived their second son [[Sef Ibn-La'Ahad|Sef]], Desmond's ancestral memories shifted from Altaïr to the child,<ref name="AC2" /> though this did appear to hinder his ability to later review Altaïr's further life story and final days, by which point Altaïr's first son [[Darim Ibn-La'Ahad|Darim]] had become a senior man.<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>


Memory within memory patterns could also be exhibited, given certain conditions. [[Subject 15]], for example, relived genetic memories while she was pregnant. During this time, the memories decoded by the Animus competed for priority, as the machine attempted to read the memories of both the fetus' mother and father.<ref name="Brotherhood" />
Embedded memory patterns could also be exhibited, given certain conditions. [[Subject 15]], for example, relived genetic memories while she was pregnant. During this time, the memories decoded by the Animus competed for priority, as the machine attempted to read the memories of both the fetus' mother and father.{{Cite|13 Sept 2024}} A similar case occurred when Desmond viewed [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]]'s later memories. At one point where he attempted to relive the [[Siege of Viana]], at the time, Ezio himself was recalling the [[Siege of Monteriggioni]], thus forcing Desmond back into that memory.<ref name="Brotherhood" />


A similar case occurred when Desmond viewed the later memories of [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]]. At one point where he attempted to relive the [[Siege of Viana]], at the time, Ezio himself was recalling the [[Siege of Monteriggioni]], thus forcing Desmond back into that memory.<ref name="Brotherhood" />
Synchronizing memories from the 20th century proved challenging for [[Abstergo Entertainment]], as reliving someone driving for lengthy periods of time led to researchers experiencing the same semi-catatonic state people entered when driving in real life, rendering progression more difficult.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' – [[Noob's personal files]]</ref>


Synchronizing memories from the 20th century proved challenging for [[Abstergo Entertainment]], as reliving someone driving for lengthy periods of time led to researchers experiencing the same semi-catatonic state people enter when driving in real life, rendering progression more difficult.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' - [[Abstergo Entertainment research analyst's personal files|Abstergo Entertainment files]]</ref>
Using translation software programs, the Animus is also capable of translating other languages,<ref name="AC2"/>  including dead ones,<ref name="AC"/> into the subject's native language to make the experience more understandable. However, it sometimes lagged or worked off incomplete dictionaries, causing the subject to hear words or phrases in the ancestor's' contemporary tongues.<ref name="AC" />
 
The Animus is also capable of translating other languages, including dead languages, into the subject's native language to make the experience more understandable. However, it constantly fails to do so, causing the subject to hear words or phrases in the Animus characters' original language.<ref name="AC" />


==Memory extraction==
==Memory extraction==
By the early 21st century, Abstergo had found a way to extract memories from the genetic memory of certain individuals and to let other subjects relive those memories using the Animus and the Data Dump Scanner software.
By the early 21st century, Abstergo had found a way to extract specific moments from certain individuals' genetic memories and to let other subjects relive those memories using the Animus and the Data Dump Scanner software.
 
Instances of the practice by Abstergo Industries include the extraction of genetic memories of [[Animus Project|Animus subjects]] who did not voluntarily cooperate with Abstergo's [[Animus Project]].<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref> These extracted memories would then be relived by Abstergo research analysts and agents to obtain information on the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]] and the [[Pieces of Eden]], notably during their [[Project Legacy]] initiative, until it was shut down in 2012 due to security concerns.<ref name="ACPL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref><ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>


Extracted memories were also used to train Abstergo agents via the [[Animi Training Program]] in the company's [[Rome|Roman]] facility,<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref> in order for them to be effective in combating the remnants of the Assassin Order.<ref name="ACR"/>
Instances of the practice include Abstergo's extracting memories without the consent or knowledge of their [[Animus Project|Animus subjects]] who not voluntarily cooperate with Abstergo's Animus Project.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref> Abstergo research analysts and agents could then relive these extracted memories to obtain information on the [[Assassins]] and the [[Pieces of Eden]], notably during their [[Project Legacy]] initiative, until it was shut down in 2012 due to security concerns.<ref name="ACPL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref><ref name="ACR"/> Abstergo agents also trained using extracted memories via the [[Animi Training Program]] in the company's [[Rome|Roman]] facility,<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref> in order for them to be effective in combating the Assassins' remnant [[Assassin cell|cells]] following the [[Great Purge]] in 2000.<ref name="ACR"/>


In late 2012, Abstergo Industries' [[Abstergo Entertainment|entertainment division]] released a home console version of the Animus packaged with extracted memories for gaming purposes. The console Animus allowed players to use extracted memories to compete against each other in simulated matches,<ref name="AC3"/> as well as allowing the general public to relive the life of [[Aveline de Grandpré]], though Abstergo released a heavily edited version of her memories to help subconsciously further their aims.<ref name="AC3L">''[[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation]]''</ref>
In late 2012, Abstergo Industries' [[Abstergo Entertainment|entertainment division]] released a home console version of the Animus packaged with extracted memories for gaming purposes. The console Animus allowed players to use extracted memories to compete against each other in simulated matches,<ref name="AC3" /> as well as allowing the general public to relive the life of [[Aveline de Grandpré]], though Abstergo released a heavily-edited version of her memories to help subconsciously further their aims.<ref name="AC3L">''[[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation]]''</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 23:00, 13 September 2024

"Our DNA functions as an archive. It contains not only genetic instructions passed down from previous generations, but memories as well. The memories of our ancestors."
―Warren Vidic, a leading figure in genetic memory, 2012.[src]
The Animus, a machine used to decode genetic memory

Genetic memory is the collection of memories of one's ancestors that are passed down into subsequent generations through DNA. It enables instinctive skills in animals, and acted as an archive of history in humans. The corporation Abstergo Industries developed the Animus virtual machine explicitly to decode and render such memories in a three-dimensional feed, allowing the reliving of past events and the discovery of hidden information. After extraction, genetic memories could also be reviewed by people who did not hold them, through the use of Abstergo's Animus-compatible software called the Data Dump Scanner.

Animus Project

Main article: Animus Project
Animus comparing two subjects for matching memory data

Genetic memory and the Animus gave Abstergo the opportunity to discover previously unknown details of history, as well as gather information about their enemies and the Pieces of Eden.[1][2] This eventually led to the creation of the Animus Project, headed by Doctor Warren Vidic.[1] The project involved acquiring several human subjects with historically relevant ancestors, particularly those of notable Assassins or Templars, and analyzing their genetic memories.[3] Animus Subjects 1 through 17 were placed into the Animus for extensive review, where large sections of their genetic memories were analyzed.[1]

Limitations

"Unfortunately, when we try and open the memory, your mind withdraws. You lack the confidence to step into your ancestor's body."
―Lucy Stillman during Desmond Miles' early use of the Animus, 2012.[src]-[m]
An Animus Wall, representing user's inability to sync with the memory

Genetic memories could be obtained from both willing or unwilling subjects. Should one not co-operate in entering an Animus and reliving a memory, a coma could simply be induced on the subject and the memories extracted from their dormant mind.[1] However, in regards to this method, William Miles revealed that by being uncooperative and refusing to move, it would make reviewing memories hard enough so that it would take weeks to try and force such information out of an individual.[4] Even when done voluntarily, initially reliving genetic memories could prove difficult, as most participants subconsciously rejected the foreign memories. Traumatic genetic memories were also difficult to access, at least until the subject had greatly increased their synchronization with their ancestor.[1][3]

Additionally, genetic memory of one individual stopped upon the conception of the next ancestor, from which the viewer was descended. On the occasion where Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and Maria Thorpe conceived their second son Sef, Desmond's ancestral memories shifted from Altaïr to the child,[2] though this did appear to hinder his ability to later review Altaïr's further life story and final days, by which point Altaïr's first son Darim had become a senior man.[5]

Embedded memory patterns could also be exhibited, given certain conditions. Subject 15, for example, relived genetic memories while she was pregnant. During this time, the memories decoded by the Animus competed for priority, as the machine attempted to read the memories of both the fetus' mother and father. [citation needed] A similar case occurred when Desmond viewed Ezio Auditore's later memories. At one point where he attempted to relive the Siege of Viana, at the time, Ezio himself was recalling the Siege of Monteriggioni, thus forcing Desmond back into that memory.[3]

Synchronizing memories from the 20th century proved challenging for Abstergo Entertainment, as reliving someone driving for lengthy periods of time led to researchers experiencing the same semi-catatonic state people entered when driving in real life, rendering progression more difficult.[6]

Using translation software programs, the Animus is also capable of translating other languages,[2] including dead ones,[1] into the subject's native language to make the experience more understandable. However, it sometimes lagged or worked off incomplete dictionaries, causing the subject to hear words or phrases in the ancestor's' contemporary tongues.[1]

Memory extraction

By the early 21st century, Abstergo had found a way to extract specific moments from certain individuals' genetic memories and to let other subjects relive those memories using the Animus and the Data Dump Scanner software.

Instances of the practice include Abstergo's extracting memories without the consent or knowledge of their Animus subjects who not voluntarily cooperate with Abstergo's Animus Project.[4] Abstergo research analysts and agents could then relive these extracted memories to obtain information on the Assassins and the Pieces of Eden, notably during their Project Legacy initiative, until it was shut down in 2012 due to security concerns.[7][5] Abstergo agents also trained using extracted memories via the Animi Training Program in the company's Roman facility,[8] in order for them to be effective in combating the Assassins' remnant cells following the Great Purge in 2000.[5]

In late 2012, Abstergo Industries' entertainment division released a home console version of the Animus packaged with extracted memories for gaming purposes. The console Animus allowed players to use extracted memories to compete against each other in simulated matches,[4] as well as allowing the general public to relive the life of Aveline de Grandpré, though Abstergo released a heavily-edited version of her memories to help subconsciously further their aims.[9]

References


de:Genetische Erinnerung es:Memoria genética fr:Mémoire génétique it:Memoria genetica nl:Genetisch geheugen pl:Wspomnienia genetyczne pt-br:Memória genética ru:Генетическая память uk:Генетична пам'ять