Ubisoft’s critically acclaimed title, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, recently caught everyone’s attention after disappearing from Steam. While the game remains playable for existing owners, potential new buyers found themselves barred from purchasing it. This unforeseen incident drove fans into a swirl of speculations. Could Ubisoft be preparing for a surprise release of a revamped Black Flag?
However, the answer, as it turned out, was less exhilarating. Ubisoft, in response to the fan-fueled frenzy, clarified that the sudden unavailability wasn’t due to some covert marketing ploy but a mere technical glitch.
A representative from Ubisoft told PC Gamer, “We are aware that Assassin’s Creed Black Flag is currently unavailable for purchase on Steam. This is due to a technical issue, and our teams are working on a solution to bring it back as soon as possible.” The clarification, while putting to rest wilder theories, left fans disheartened.
The hopes for a Black Flag remake aren’t baseless, though. An earlier report revealed that Ubisoft might already be well on its way to making a Black Flag makeover, even if it’s in its nascent stages. With the swashbuckler pushing its decade mark and many considering it one of the series’ zeniths, it’s not surprising that Ubisoft is thinking of polishing the title for the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series S/X. If nothing else, this upcoming remake could tide audiences over as Skull and Bones – Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag was technically the inspiration for Skull and Bones – gets delayed yet again.
While Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag holds its ground even today, thanks to its compelling narrative and its captivating gameplay, a revival wouldn’t hurt. With Assassin’s Creed taking a step back to its genesis in the forthcoming Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, which is releasing earlier than expected, Black Flag could double down on it.
Yet, Ubisoft’s history of game delisting has brought forth other theories. As recently as the last year, Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD was delisted, leading to a similar chaos among the gaming fraternity. Ubisoft later clarified that delisting would primarily impact DLC and online features. Given this precedent, speculations emerged that Black Flag might tread a similar path, with potential discontinuation of its multiplayer features. Although, as with most things in the gaming, it’s purely conjecture until otherwise confirmed.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag was one of the last games in the series. The introduction of RPG elements, levels, and the subsequent titles’ forgettable protagonists made the series drift from its charm. It might have been what brought forth the said elements, but when it came out, no one could get enough of the sea shanties, and then some.
Looking ahead, the Assassin’s Creed universe remains just as alive as ever. The latest installment, Mirage, is gearing up for an October 5 release, expected to grace platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and PC. Ubisoft, not resting on its laurels, also teased other titles in the pipeline, Codename Red and Codename Jade, among others.
