Today, Limbitless Solutions announced that beginning in 2021, recipients of 3D-printed prosthetic arms from UCF’s Limbitless Solutions get to choose new bionic designs from the world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

Kassandra, a main character in the universe, is an elite warrior whose resilience and strength enabled her to change the world, and Ubisoft and Limbitless Solutions hope the detailed and expressive design will inspire bionic kids and adults to discover their inner strength — just like the Spartan heroine.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for Limbitless to collaborate with Ubisoft in the development of new video game-themed bionic sleeves,” says Associate Professor of Emerging Media and Limbitless-affiliated faculty member Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA. “This collaboration harmonizes with the Limbitless’ mission as an opportunity for various creative mediums to unite to create a positive impact in our world.”

Since its founding, Limbitless Solutions’ artistic designs for the bionic arms have been a key focus. In 2019 the first of its kind clinical trials featured unique interchangeable expressive arm designs. When the opportunity arose for a collaboration between Limbitless Solutions and Ubisoft on a new design to empower the users of the bionic arms, the team was excited to bring the design to life.

Developed by Ubisoft Quebec in association with eight other Ubisoft studios, Assassins Creed Odyssey takes players on a heroic voyage through Ancient Greece amidst the Peloponnesian War.

“This is an amazing partnership with Limbitless and we are both impressed and inspired by the level of detail and quality of the bionic arms based on Kassandra from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey,” says Arisa Lagunzad, senior director of business development at Ubisoft. “It made perfect sense to bring such a beloved, strong and respected character within the Assassin’s Creed universe to the project and we look forward to welcoming them into the family.”

Much happens behind the scenes to grow a digital sketch to a finished sleeve on a bionic arm. “Transcending the classroom walls with digital sculpting, 3D printing and airbrush painting techniques is essential to our success,” says Dombrowski. “This collaboration provides our Limbitless’ UCF undergraduate students an opportunity to utilize digital and traditional art tools to bring to life the Assassin’s Creed series’ designs.”

The newest design features the “Bracers of the Underworld,” with a unique twist on the Spartan-inspired armor illuminated by the fires of the underworld during Kassandra’s battle with Hades.

“Using my fine arts education to bring a design that connects the game experience into real-life has been an amazing part of working on this project,” says Remy Marasa, a Limbitless Solutions fine artist and UCF art student.

The unique arm design customization portal allows Limbitless Solutions’ participants to express personal style by selecting different designs and color treatments for unique designs. Each participant received two customized designs when receiving their bionic arm. Different zones on the arm can be uniquely selected for more detailed personalization.

“Not only is the game an iconic classic, but, Ubisoft’s more recent integration of educational modes, and historically accurate series of books by Scholastic, shows their commitment of going beyond the game to help others,” says Peter Smith ’05MS ’12PhD, a UCF associate professor of games and interactive media.

Limbitless also recently collaborated with CD Projekt Red on an arm inspired by Keanu Reeve’s character in the game Cyberpunk 2077.