Back whenAssassin’s Creed 3first released, nobody would’ve expected that the naval mission side quests would’ve expanded as far beyond as they did. The popularity of the mode, which ended up taking the spotlight away from the rest ofAssassin’s Creed 3in some regards, lead intoAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. After dedicating an entire mainlineAssassin’s Creedgame to naval combat, and being widely praised for it, Ubisoft decided to double down and create a standalone naval/pirate game. The result of which isSkull and Bones, the dedicated pirate game born from the innovativeBlack Flag, that’s been dormant for some time since it was announced.
Initially unveiled back at E3 2017, it’s been a long while since there’s been any significant update or reveal for Ubisoft’s dedicated naval game. Fans were initially very excited forSkull and Bones, and the prospect of a standalone pirate game being devoid of any necessary ties to theAssassin’s Creedformula. However, like several other Ubisoft games slated for release in the 2019/2020 window,Skull and Boneswas delayed into Ubisoft’s next fiscal year. ConsideringSkull and Bonesis very much a proof of concept, Ubisoft likely wants to nail the release ofSkull and Bonesso it doesn’t end up in a similar situation asAnthemwas for EA.
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Like Anthem, Skull and Bones Is a Proof of Concept
It’s becoming a trite comparison for any in-development game to beput up next toAnthem’s release, but in this case, both games arguably share many similarities. WhileSkull and BonesandAnthemwere two games conceived from very different inspirations, both games were born out of a similar desire to realize a proof of concept. Numerous fans ofAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flaghad expressed interest in a standalone pirate game, and Ubisoft is heeding that call. Both games are similarly live service, open-world games with “RPG-like progression” and co-op gameplay. WhereAnthemrealized anIron Manpower fantasy,Skull and Bonesrealizes the pirate fantasy.
At least, that seems to be Ubisoft’s intention. The reality is thatSkull and Boneshas been delayed three times now, citing “a new vision” as well as the need to expand the game’s development team further. By all accounts, there’s no indication thatSkull and Boneswill end up likeAnthemby any means, but it shares all the same risk factors that could result in a similar outcome. Fans fell in love with the pirate gameplay thatSkull and Bonespromises to emphasize, but the strictly multiplayer live service approach ofSkull and Bonesmay not necessarily be what fans are looking for.
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No News May Not Be Good News for Skull and Bones
Skull and Bonesmay not necessarily become the best game based on its premise, but it’s hard to say whether or not no news is good news. WhenSkull and Bones' creative director Elisabeth Pellen published the game’s 2020 development update, she seemed to echo the team’s optimism as the game’s ambition grew. However, in that same update, Pellen also noted the development team had to address several “critical questions” related to the game’s design which needed to be addressed. The game is going to receive more development time to address these questions, which can only be good forSkull and Bones, butthe game’s already been in development for at least five years.
Releasing in a similar state toAnthemis, of course, the worst-case scenario forSkull and Bones. Considering Ubisoft dealt with a similar critical and commercial failure withGhost Recon Breakpoint, the publisher is well aware of what releasing a rushed game can do to its entire games portfolio. Alongside titles likeFar Cry 6andWatch Dogs: Legion,Skull and Boneswas one of the many games delayed due toBreakpoint’s troublesome reception.Skull and Bonesis a debut IP that uniquely needs tolive up to and surpassAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, whilst also cultivating long-term success as its own live service game.
At some point this year,Skull and Boneswill return, according to Pellen. The game intends to make a “comeback” in 2021, hopefully providing the first look atSkull and Bonesafter nearly two years without any reveals or updates.Skull and Bonescould’ve changed exponentially while in development the last few years, but that still doesn’t change thenumerous rumors of reboots and significant changes at the studio. That being said, this year’s reveal forSkull and Boneswill hopefully instill confidence in fans for the game’s release, whenever that may be.
Skull and Bonesis currently in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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