Ubisoft Singapore’sSkull and Boneswas announced back at E3 in 2017. Its initial announcement garnered heavy appeal, but since then there’s not been a lot revealed about the upcoming game. The current prediction forSkull and Bones’ release is sometime after March 2021, so that doesn’t narrow down a date either.Skull and Bones' development stage isn’t all a mystery, though, as the developer revealed that the game had taken on a different vision compared to what was previously advertised. There are a number of things this could mean, but it may especially affect the player character.
When first announced,Skull and Bonesshowed that players can create their own pirate captain and customize their appearance. However, it was also later revealed that players would spend the entirety of the game ship-locked withan emphasis on combat above anythingelse. Now that the game has taken on a “new vision,” it’s possible that the customizable player captain could play an even bigger role now. In fact, it would be one of the best outcomes possible.
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The Importance of a Customizable Captain
WhileSkull and Boneshasn’t been announced as an RPG game, the new vision for the game could incorporate many traditional RPG elements. The original plan of having players be ship-locked for the game seemed to underutilize the possibilities that a customizable captain provides. Having a customizable player character is one of thecore aspects of many RPG gamesbecause it lets players fine-tune how they look in-game and connect with their avatar. A captain that can be customized to fit players’ aesthetic and physicality is a fantastic addition toSkull and Bones, but not properly utilized in its gameplay reveals.
Customizable player characters add an extra layer of connection in video games. While games, especially RPGs, need a good storyline to propel players to want to play more, there’s a personal experience that comes with crafting a character. Players can put their own personality and looks into their creation, or make someone who’s nothing like them. It’s all about creativity and immersion, which is crucial for an RPG experience.Skull and Bonesmay not have been an RPGupon the first gameplay previews, but it definitely has the opportunity to evolve into one.
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What a Skull and Bones Captain Could Do
It’s promising news thatSkull and Boneshas taken on a different vision than what Ubisoft Singapore initially planned on because many players were underwhelmed. The game promised an interesting single-player campaign full of memorable pirate characters, but many players questioned how this would be executed. Not to mention that, upon initial first impressions,Skull and Bonesdidn’t seem to accurately capture the pirate fantasy. A customizable captain was a step in the right direction, but being ship-locked meant lots of customization for little return.
A lot of the time, players like creating highly detailed, well-thought-out player characters because they like to see their avatars in action. DespiteSkull and Bonesbeing inspired byAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, it seemed it took out the most adventurous parts of being a pirate. Crafting an RPGSkull and Bonesexperience that allows players both naval and land combat would let players further connect with their custom captain. Without that kind of gameplay change, it’s possible that players won’t be as invested inSkull and Bonesand could end up likeAnthem— EA’s looter shooter endeavor whose updates have now been canceled.
Only time and more development will reveal whatSkull and Boneshas planned for its release. Until then, it seems players will wait on bated breath for more information about the upcoming pirate game.
Skull and Bonesis currently in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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