Skull and Bones
News, coverage and analysis tracking Skull and Bones across the outlets.- Playing With History launches soon – Here’s how to get a copyPlaying With History, a book based on a popular feature series exploring historical video games, is launching soon. The book, featuring over 200 pages of new content and interviews, will be available physically and digitally. Late pledges are open on Kickstarter until a few days before shipping begins in late May 2026.
Ubisoft ends game development at Red Storm and lays off 105 workersUbisoft has ended active game development at its subsidiary Red Storm Entertainment, resulting in the layoff of 105 employees as part of a global cost-saving initiative. The studio will transition to a support role, focusing on IT and engine development. This move is part of broader restructuring efforts within Ubisoft, which has seen multiple studio closures and layoffs this year.
Ubisoft names new Creative House and Creative Network leadersUbisoft has announced new leadership appointments to support its Creative House operating model. Julien Bares will manage Creative Houses 3 and 5, overseeing live and casual game brands, while Thomas Andrén will lead the new Creative Network to provide cross-functional support. These changes come as Ubisoft undergoes a significant restructuring, including studio closures and cost-cutting measures.- Gamescom 2024 Steam Deck News, Reviews Including Bakeru and SCHiM, New Verified Games, Discounts, and More – TouchArcadeThis week's Steam Deck Weekly covers Gamescom 2024 news, including impressions and reviews of Bakeru, Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, SCHiM, Gestalt: Steam and Cinder, and the Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun expansion. It also highlights new Steam Deck Verified and Playable games, along with ongoing sales and discounts.
- NBA 2K25, ARCO, ODDADA, DATE a LIVE Ren Dystopia, Star Trucker, Skull and Bones, & More Reviews With New Verified Games – TouchArcadeThis article provides Steam Deck reviews and impressions for several games including NBA 2K25, Gimmick! 2, Arco, Skull and Bones, ODDADA, Star Trucker, DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia, Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES, and Pinball FX. It also lists new Steam Deck Verified and Playable games and current discounts.
- Evening InterviewsAn AMA (Ask Me Anything) session for Skull and Bones was held during The Deck Devstream. This community event provided players an opportunity to interact with the developers and discuss the game.
- Skull and Bones – How Ubisoft found fun in the Golden Age of PiracyUbisoft discusses how they found fun in the Golden Age of Piracy setting for their upcoming game Skull and Bones. The article explores the development process and the unique elements that define the game's pirate fantasy.
- Something for the Weekend – 07/03/26Nintendo held an Indie World showcase, revealing new titles and updates. Among the announcements were Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, South of Midnight for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, and Echoes of Aincrad, an RPG set in the Sword Art Online universe. The article also reviews several games including Planet of Lana 2 and Pokémon Pokopia, and features previews for Tides of Tomorrow and Rogue Point.
Highguard Shutdown Proves Sony’s Live-Service Strategy Is FailingThe shutdown of Highguard highlights Sony's struggling live-service strategy, with players and critics pointing to a market oversaturated with online-only games. This trend is blamed for studio layoffs and a lack of compelling single-player exclusives on PlayStation 5, despite the success of narrative-driven titles like The Last of Us and Elden Ring.
Ubisoft's worst-kept secret is finally official as Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced artwork is revealedUbisoft has officially confirmed the existence of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 title, following years of rumors and leaks. The company also announced a free 60fps patch for Assassin's Creed Unity on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and provided updates on upcoming titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Assassin's Creed Hexe.- Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has finally been confirmed by UbisoftUbisoft has confirmed that a remake or remaster of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, tentatively titled Black Flag Resynced, is in development. The remake is expected to feature significant changes, including the removal of modern-day sequences and the incorporation of RPG elements like loot and stats. Development is reportedly being handled by Ubisoft Singapore, Belgrade, and Bordeaux, with potential reuse of assets from Skull and Bones.
Skull and Bones | A Hearty Pirate RPGSkull and Bones is a pirate-themed MMORPG from Ubisoft that allows players to create a captain and build a pirate empire in the Indian Ocean. The game features extensive ship customization, naval combat, trade routes, and supernatural elements. Players can engage in quests given by various NPCs, upgrade their ships, and craft new weapons and armor. The Smuggler Pass offers cosmetic rewards, and while PvP is optional, it is present in certain world events. The reviewer highly recommends the game for fans of pirate lore and naval combat.
Assassin's Creed 3 director discusses the disastrous launch of Skull and Bones, says the 'junior' devs didn't have enough experience and were 'trying to essentially make Black Flag crossed with World of Tanks or World of Warships'Alex Hutchinson, creative director of Assassin's Creed 3, believes the troubled development and launch of Skull and Bones stemmed from a junior development team lacking experience and the concept being too similar to previously released games. He described the idea as 'bizarre' and 'stale,' comparing the team's ambition to merging Black Flag with naval combat games like World of Tanks.
"Ideas have a window, they age out and become stale" - Assassin's Creed 3 director Alex Hutchinson outlines what went wrong with Skull and BonesAlex Hutchinson, creative director for Assassin's Creed 3 and Far Cry 4, believes that the core ideas for Skull and Bones had become stale by the time of its development. He also cited a lack of experience within the primary development team as a major factor contributing to the game's difficult production and eventual struggles.
Devolver Digital Co-Founder Calls GTA 6 the First-Ever "AAAAA" Game - New Game NetworkDevolver Digital co-founder Nigel Lowrie described Grand Theft Auto 6 as the first "AAAAA" game, surpassing the traditional AAA designation due to its immense scope, cultural impact, and estimated $1 billion development budget. The game is slated for release on May 26, 2026, with analysts projecting significant revenue. Its anticipated scale and influence are already impacting discussions around other highly anticipated titles and industry trends.
Ubisoft got it wrong. The company won't stop making AAA gamesUbisoft clarified that despite reports, the company will not stop making AAA games. While Ubisoft plans to invest more in shareware projects and microtransactions, it will continue to release premium titles such as Far Cry 6 and Skull and Bones. The Division: Heartland is highlighted as an upcoming shareware title.