In the 2010s, most gamers probably didn't expect Ubisoft to release a top-notch pirate game set in the Assassin's Creed universe of all things, but that's exactly what it did with 2013's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. Unlike previous AC installments that placed a heavy emphasis on stealth, such as AC 2 and AC: Revelations, Black Flag took a more adventurous, swash-buckling approach to gameplay. Indeed, AC 4 gave players the definitive pirate experience. It had everything one could ask for from such a game: naval combat, ship-based exploration, lost treasures, sea shanties, and so on. Despite it being a noticeable pivot from the franchise's traditional formula, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag was widely beloved upon its release, and remains regarded as one of the best AC games ever made.
It seems Ubisoft holds the title in equally high regard because, according to recent rumors, the company is developing a remake of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. This comes as somewhat of a surprise for multiple reasons. For one, the publisher typically doesn't remake games from most of its franchises, let alone Assassin's Creed. On top of that, out of all the classic AC titles, Black Flag is probably the one game that's aged the best, so a remake of it doesn't seem all that necessary. Nonetheless, the reputable industry insider Tom Henderson alleges that Ubisoft is going through with the project, and that it aims to release in November 2025. While it's nice that the unannounced remake is apparently arriving so soon, this purported launch window may not be beneficial, as it may come face-to-face with other pirate games.
If the Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Remake Launches in 2025, It Could Face Stiff Competition
Black Flag's Remake May Come Face-to-Face with Recent and Upcoming Pirate Games
Pirate video games aren't exactly all that common, but there's been more of them coming out lately. In 2024, for instance, Ubisoft released Skull and Bones. This live-service multiplayer action-adventure game was initially conceived as an MMO spin-off of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag before it became part of its own, separate franchise. The title was infamously in development for about a decade and was meant to launch sometime in 2018, until it was ultimately postponed. After various delays, Skull and Bones released in February of this year to middling reviews and low sales. Even still, it was one of the more notable pirate games in recent times.
One other pirate game that's coming out soon is Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This title, which is a spin-off of RGG and Sega's critically-acclaimed Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, takes the series in a bold, new direction. Despite being an RGG game at its core, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes some cues from pirate games like AC 4: Black Flag. Besides featuring the Like a Dragon franchise's traditional beat-em-up gameplay, it includes naval combat, pirate crew management systems, and ship upgrading mechanics. Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will launch on February 28, 2025; since its release date is so close to the rumored Black Flag remake, it may serve as competition for the title.
With AC Shadows on the Horizon, the AC 4 Remake Risks Launching in an Oversaturated Market
Speaking of competition, there's also Assassin's Creed Shadows to take into account. This is the next big installment in Ubisoft's flagship franchise and, after being delayed from its initial November launch date, it's debuting in February 2025. AC Shadows' release timing may not be good news for the rumored AC 4 remake because, if the two titles launch within the same year, they may cannibalize each other's sales. Couple that with recent and upcoming pirate games like Skull and Bones and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and the remake may be launched in an oversaturated market if it does come out in November 2025 as allegedly planned.
Fortunately, Tom Henderson's recent report does seem to suggest that the Black Flag remake could be pushed back into 2026. If that happens, it may be beneficial for the Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake, as it could give the game more breathing room by launching at a later date.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- October 29, 2013
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- AnvilNext
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Assassin's Creed
WHERE TO PLAY
The year is 1715. Pirates rule the Caribbean and have established their own lawless Republic where corruption, greediness and cruelty are commonplace.
Among these outlaws is a brash young captain named Edward Kenway. His fight for glory has earned him the respect of legends like Blackbeard, but also drawn him into the ancient war between Assassins and Templars, a war that may destroy everything the pirates have built.
Welcome to the Golden Age of Piracy.
- Genre(s)
- Action, Open-World
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
