Ubisoft plans remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Prominent game publisher Ubisoft has recently revealed its commitment to revitalizing its popular franchises, including Assassin’s Creed. As part of this strategy, sources have confirmed that a remake of the beloved 2013 game, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, is in its early stages of development. Simultaneously, Ubisoft continues to face challenges with its long-awaited pirate game, Skull and Bones. 

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, known for its thrilling pirate-themed gameplay, is set to receive a remake. While details are scarce, Ubisoft Singapore, a studio renowned for its work on the Assassin’s Creed franchise’s naval mechanics, will play a significant role in modernizing the Caribbean-based sailing adventure. It remains uncertain how the remake will align with the open-world RPG style of recent Assassin’s Creed titles, but there is potential for the game to incorporate new features and expand upon the beloved ship-to-ship combat.

In contrast to the progress made on Black Flag’s remake, Skull and Bones has faced a tumultuous development journey. Initially conceived as an expansion for Black Flag, the live-service pirate game has undergone numerous transformations, internal struggles, and delays. Despite being absent from Ubisoft’s recent showcase, the team behind Skull and Bones is focused on polishing the game for a closed beta scheduled in late August. However, internal emails indicate that developers are facing increased pressure, with management insisting on in-office work and extended hours to meet deadlines.

Interestingly, there were discussions among Skull and Bones developers about returning the game to its roots and incorporating elements reminiscent of Black Flag. This shift could involve a greater emphasis on cooperative exploration and close-quarters combat, deviating from the sole focus on resource gathering and player-versus-player naval battles. While such changes might have extended the development timeline, it is uncertain if they would have caused further delays beyond what the project has already experienced.

Ubisoft’s decision to remake Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag demonstrates its commitment to reviving beloved franchises. The remake offers an opportunity to reimagine and expand upon the popular pirate-themed gameplay. Simultaneously, the ongoing challenges faced by Skull and Bones highlight the complexities of game development and the impact of internal struggles on project timelines. As Ubisoft navigates these endeavors, players eagerly anticipate the future release of both the Black Flag remake and the long-awaited Skull and Bones.