Summary
Game developerUbisoftis one of the industry’s biggest developers, having created longstanding modern franchises such asAssassin’s CreedandFar Cryand now going on to publish the very first open-worldStar Warsgame,Star Wars Outlaws. The developer has had numerous successes in the past, including several titles fromTom Clancy’s Splinter CellandPrince of Persia, as well as some of the earlierAssassin’s CreedandFar Crygames. Unfortunately, despiteUbisoft’s success, it regularly receives harsh criticism from both gamers and critics about its tendency to develop one type of game.
At the center of Ubisoft’s ongoing controversy is its infamous open-world model. While the genre has grown to become massively popular over the last decade, many open-world gamers have been left with a bad taste in their mouths on account of Ubisoft’s approach to it, despite the developer being one of the household names behind the genre’s success. Now, Ubisoft’s most recent title,Skull and Bones, is attracting even more negative attention to the developer, much of which has been aimed at the flawed execution of its open-world activities. Needless to say,Ubisoft’s open-world formulajust can’t seem to catch a break.
A Brief History of Ubisoft’s Open-World Model
Ubisoft hasn’t always been an open-world developer, nor is it only known for its open worlds. Franchises likeRayman,Prince of Persia, andSplinter Cellall avoided the open-world model and succeeded just fine without it. However, once Ubisoft learned what it was capable of doing with an open world, especially when it came to how players would receive that type of game, it established momentum on an unfortunate track that would take it to where it is today — and that all arguably began withthe open world ofFar Cry 3.
Far Cry 3is considered the bestFar Crygame to date, but there is likely a better reason for that beyond its story and characters. Specifically,Far Cry 3is considered a master class in open-world design. Rather than simply filling the game’s map with extra space, Ubisoft ensured that every area ofFar Cry 3’s map was handcrafted with intention and care. This is far from where Ubisoft’s open-world model is today, as the developer tends to design games with the idea that “bigger is always better” in mind.
Still, it was likely the success ofFar Cry 3’s open world that led to Ubisoft creating more, even grander open worlds, like thehugely popularAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Since then, Ubisoft’s open worlds have largely only become bigger and emptier, and no matter how hard it tries to avoid criticism, the developer’s familiar formula just can’t win.
Ubisoft’s Open World Just Can’t Win
The long-awaited seafaring titleSkull and Bonesis Ubisoft’s most recent experiment to fall prey to nearly universal negative criticism. Unfortunately, despite being originally inspired byAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, the developer’s latest pirate adventure has fallen far short of its legacy. This isn’t necessarily due to the beauty or vastness of its open world, as most of the criticism has been directed at its grindy mechanics and bland narrative. Even so,Skull and Bones' open worldis yet another of Ubisoft’s to meet its maker.
The next title awaiting release by Ubisoft isStar Wars Outlaws, which may very well be the most anticipated Ubisoft game of the last decade. As it is considered the first open-worldStar Warsgame ever made, much of its marketing has been fueled by high expectations from gamers andStar Warsenthusiasts, meaning a lot is riding on it to break the ongoing pattern of Ubisoft’s open-world reception and finally deliver an open-world experience unlike those of the developer’s past. However, time will tell whetherStar Wars Outlawscan accomplish such a feat.
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.
