They say that the rougher the seas, the smoother the sailing will go. If this holds true for Skull & Bones, it’s going to be one of the biggest games ever.
Of course, for that to happen, Skull & Bones still has to come out and we don’t know when that’s happening.
But, at the very least, Ubisoft is still working on Skull and Bones, confirming that a closed beta for the pirate sim is scheduled soon at the Ubisoft Forward event.
When “Skull and Bones” first surfaced at E3 2017, the gaming community braced for a captivating, action-packed adventure set in a vast pirate-infested universe. This ambitious project, developed by Ubisoft Singapore, was initially slated for release in 2018, but like a ship battling a storm, the game has endured numerous delays, stirring up quite a sea of speculation. But, the tide seems to be changing. Ubisoft recently declared, accompanied by a delightful sea shanty performance, that Skull and Bones is still in development. To affirm this, they are staging a closed beta from August 25th to 28th.
Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the beta promises to offer a tantalizing glimpse into the world we’ve all yearned for.
The journey to this point has been anything but smooth sailing. Originally conceived as an expansion for Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag back in 2013, the project morphed into an MMO spin-off before fully charting its own course as an independent game. A series of development resets under a “new vision” and the enlistment of other Ubisoft studios, like Berlin, all signal Ubisoft’s unflinching commitment to refining this unique, maritime masterpiece.
The appeal of Skull and Bones lies in its gripping combat and strategic gameplay as well as the promise of a vibrant, open-world setting. The title allows players to navigate their customizable pirate ship through treacherous waters of the Indian Ocean, engaging in visceral sea battles, hunting treasures, and preying on the less fortunate seafarers.
While originally designed as a multiplayer-centric title, Ubisoft has since infused Skull and Bones with narrative elements, adding layers of depth to the seafaring spectacle. Players can investigate sequences, unveiling more about the game’s lore and setting. All this action can be experienced solo or in co-op, magnifying the game’s appeal to a wider audience.
Given its tempestuous development history, the closed beta marks a huge milestone in the long-awaited maiden voyage of Skull and Bones. The team at Ubisoft seems to have weathered the storm. Now, the team behind Skull and Bones are eager to reward patient fans with a taste of the thrilling life of piracy, sea shanties, rum, scurvy, and all.
To top it off, Ubisoft also unveiled new footage during a live musical performance by the acapella group Home Free. While it didn’t offer much in terms of gameplay specifics, it set the scene beautifully, showcasing dramatic ship battles and atmospheric town explorations.
Despite the delays and development resets, Ubisoft’s dedication to perfecting Skull and Bones shines through. The journey mirrors the life of a pirate, filled with obstacles and unforeseen turns, but with a glimmer of golden hope glistening on the horizon.
Ubisoft’s upcoming closed beta is a testament to their relentless pursuit of crafting an authentic, thrilling pirate adventure, and one can only hope that when Skull and Bones finally hoists its flag, it’ll prove that all good things come to those who wait.
As Assassin’s Creed goes smaller in scale and returns to its roots, the hope is for Skull and Bones to ship out in time to fill the sea-faring void left by this move.
