Summary
At the Game Awards, Ubisoft gave players another new release date forSkull and Bones. Apparently, it is supposed to hit store shelves come February, but there is a strong chance it never meets that date.Skull and Boneshas been constantly delayedand restarted since it was first announced, which is why some Ubisoft fans even feel like it will never come out. However, that may all change next year, and if it does actually release, then the studio needs to ensure it blows players away.
If done right,Skull and Boneshas the chance to be a fantastic multiplayer experience. There is nothing quite like sailing the high seas with friends, as seen withthe likes ofSea of Thieves. Couple that with the gameplay loop ofAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, and it feels like a recipe for success. But after multiple delays, fans' expectations and hype have dwindled. So, if the game is not the best it can be, then it may fall flat when February rolls around.
Skull and Bones Has a Lot to Prove As Its Release Date Nears
There is Seemingly No End to Skull and Bones' Delays
It can feel like Ubisoft has been talking aboutSkull and Bonesforever, with the game being first revealed a long time ago. The game began development back in 2013 after the success ofAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Originally, it was supposed to be an MMO spin-off of sorts, but it quickly became its own independent project. In 2017, Ubisoft officially revealed it at its E3 press conference. And six years later, it has yet to actually be released.
When it was first announced, players seemed to be interested in it. It was going to takethe best parts ofAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagto the online space for a new type of experience. But then it got delayed from its original 2018 release date to 2019. It was then delayed again to 2020, then the 2021-2022 fiscal year, then the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and now finally to early 2024. While the studio may be committed to this date, there is a chance that it gets delayed once more.
It May Be Hard for Skull and Bones to Make an Impact
All of these delays have made playersless interested inSkull and Bones. On top of that, the gameplay trailers and overall look of the game have left much to be desired. Right now, some fans feel like the title will just be dead on arrival. Even though there may be some players still interested in it, the project’s timeliness is not the same as if it launched soon afterBlack Flag. So, if Ubisoft wants any chance at making an impact, then it needs to ensure this game blows audiences away.
ForSkull and Bonesto be a massive hit, it needs to be almost perfect. At launch, there needs to be hours’ worth of content for players to engage with. That content needs to actually be interesting, varied, and truly make players feel like a pirate. It also needs to present players with a world that is exciting to explore, since that is a major part of whyAssassin’s Creed 4is so beloved. Along with that, the game needs to launch without many technical problems and the servers need to be ready on day one.
Skull and Bonescannot suffer the pitfallsof other AAA titles, because otherwise, players may just tune out. The game has been delayed one too many times for it to simply be an alright experience. Players should be able to jump right in and get sucked away on a pirate adventure that they will not soon forget. And even with all of that, it may still be too late for this game to shine, but fans will just have to wait and see.
Skull and Bones
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 COMBATPrepare 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 PARADISEVoyage 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 PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach 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.
