Summary
- Skull and Bones needs to take cues from Sea of Thieves when it comes to crossover content, as it can really liven up the pirate experience.
- Ubisoft should consider adding crossovers with popular Ubisoft franchises like Assassin's Creed and external properties like Disney to enhance gameplay.
- While Skull and Bones focuses on its own tale, tapping into crossover potential could attract more players and create exciting adventures.
While Skull and Bones may have just launched, some players are already looking at the post-launch content that Ubisoft has planned. Currently, the game is rather lackluster, with many struggling to find things to hold their attention. Luckily, the studio does have multiple seasons of content on the way that should help liven up the experience a bit. However, it seems like Ubisoft's plans may not be tapping into Skull and Bones' full potential.
Rare's Sea of Thieves showed players that a live-service pirate game can work if the content is there, and one of the best forms of content that game received was crossovers. Not only were players able to explore the world that Rare created, but they have also been able to go on adventures through Pirates of the Caribbean and the Monkey Island series. Even though the focus of the post-launch content should be on making Skull and Bones as best as possible, following Sea of Thieves' crossover model sounds like the perfect treat for pirate fans.
Skull and Bones May Want to Take Some Cues From Sea of Thieves for Future Seasons
Sea of Thieves Has Come a Long Way Since Launch
When Sea of Thieves first launched, players were met with a game that was severely lacking content. The world that Rare created was beautiful to explore, but there was nothing to really keep players engaged for hours on end. However, instead of abandoning the game after its initial reception, the studio committed to improving it tenfold with countless content updates. Thanks to that support, players can now explore a massive pirate sandbox filled to the brim with things to do, which has helped it become one of Microsoft's most successful original IPs.
Throughout all of these updates, Sea of Thieves also featured numerous crossovers with other popular franchises. Cosmetics based on Banjo-Kazooie, Halo, Gears of War, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps were added over the years. But perhaps the biggest crossovers came in the form of the A Pirate's Life and The Legend of Monkey Island expansions. These packs brought players on exciting adventures through the popular Pirates of the Caribbean and Monkey Island franchises, which resulted in some fantastic experiences. And hopefully, there are plenty more crossovers like that on the horizon.
Skull and Bones Should Tap Into the Crossover Potential
Right now, Skull and Bones is mostly focused on its own original tale, with no crossover content in sight. However, if Ubisoft wanted to, then this game could be filled with some great crossover experiences. Not only could it include cosmetics based on some of the biggest franchises around, but it could also follow in Sea of Thieves' footsteps with full brand-new crossover stories. While Ubisoft should focus on improving the core experience a bit first, adding all sorts of crossover adventures may be the perfect way to get players to sail the high seas.
One of the easiest crossovers for Ubisoft to do would be if it added content based on its most popular franchises, with Assassin's Creed being the most obvious candidate. Skull and Bones has already spun-off from an Assassin's Creed game, so the studio should bring it full circle by letting players outfit their ships and pirates with Black Flag-themed cosmetics. Additionally, stories involving the Creed or Templar Order could be a lot of fun. The fun does not have to stop there either, as the likes of Far Cry, Prince of Persia, and even Immortals: Fenyx Rising could fit right in. And if the studio wants to go even wilder, then players could don a Rabbids flag as they head off to war.
Ubisoft is not limited to its own franchises, either, as Sea of Thieves got to play around with Disney's IPs. Skull and Bones could also go after Pirates of the Caribbean and Monkey Island, or it could explore the unexplored like Peter Pan and Treasure Island instead. Whatever choice the studio makes, these additions could be fantastic treats for fans of their respective properties. Along with that, they could go a long way in injecting a bit of life and character into Skull and Bones' world.
Skull and Bones
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 60 /100 Critics Rec: 10%
- Released
- February 16, 2024
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Singapore
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- AnvilNext
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.
ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBAT
Prepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.
SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISE
Voyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.
TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATES
Sail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.
ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENT
Each season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
