Ubisoft’s massive slate of upcoming Assassin’s Creed games might include a remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Fresh off the success of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which many thought would serve as the precursor for a remake of the first Assassin’s Creed game, details about one of Ubisoft’s in-development projects have emerged.
Recent findings from various Ubisoft Singapore developers’ LinkedIn profiles suggest that they’ve been working on an “unannounced Assassin’s Creed project” since last September. Ubisoft Singapore is renowned for its work on the pirate-themed MMO, Skull and Bones, which makes it a fitting choice for this endeavor. After all, Black Flag is what gave everyone the idea that players would love taking to the open seas and playing as pirates.
Seems like development on the Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag remake has started late last year.
Developers from the Skull and Bones & Assassin's Creed team inside Ubisoft Singapore have moved to an 'Unannounced Assassin's Creed Project' in September 2023. pic.twitter.com/WThxJWgi8I
— JorRaptor (@Jorraptor) January 19, 2024
The original Black Flag, released over a decade ago, is not only one of the most acclaimed entries in the Assassin’s Creed series but also one of the best pirate games ever made. Its mix of open-world exploration, naval combat, and the classic Assassin’s Creed stealth and parkour mechanics, set in a richly detailed Caribbean pirate setting, won it legions of fans. The idea of revisiting this beloved world with modern technology and gaming advancements has naturally excited the fanbase.
Rumors about this remake first emerged last year, suggesting that it was in the earliest stages of development. If these rumors are accurate, and the game has been in development since September 2023, it suggests that the project might still be a few years away from release. This timeline is further supported by the recent completion of Skull and Bones, which could have freed up resources and personnel to focus on the Black Flag remake.
At the same time, Skull and Bones could tide its audiences over while Ubisoft Singapore works hard at making Edward Kenway’s return all the more worthy of the hype.
Speculation aside, there are several reasons why a remake of Black Flag makes financial sense for Ubisoft. Firstly, the game’s enduring popularity within the Assassin’s Creed community ensures a ready audience for the remake. Secondly, the shift in the series towards RPG elements, as seen in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, has left fans yearning for a return to the series’ roots. Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, a more recent entry that harkens back to the series’ classic gameplay, indicates that Ubisoft is aware of this nostalgia among its fanbase.
However, the first Assassin’s Creed would be a more fitting candidate for a remake, given its older mechanics and dated visuals. Unfortunately, a remake of the first game would require significant reworking of side missions, plot elements, as well as technical improvements to meet modern gaming standards. Thus, in terms of economics, Black Flag is seen as a safer bet due to its existing popularity and less intensive development requirements compared to a complete overhaul of the original game.
Besides, Ubisoft Singapore could combine Black Flag and Rogue similar to The Rebel Collection release for the Switch – a bundle that includes Black Flag and Rogue.
Seeing as Black Flag and Rogue are considered the last time when Assassin’s Creed’s stealth gameplay and open-world setting meshed perfectly together, this would be a dream come true. Of course, this could be the ale and rum talking until Ubisoft confirms anything!
For now, those looking to go on a voyage can look forward to the release of Skull and Bones on February 16.
