We look at what the fans are saying”: Back When Ubisoft Actually Cared about Fans and Gave in to Our 1 Demand for Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag

SUMMARY

• Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag introduced an open-world adventure to the series, marking a significant turning point for Ubisoft.
• The game’s development was heavily influenced by player requests for a pirate-themed open-world experience.
• Despite the initial success, recent trends suggest Ubisoft has deviated from its innovative path, leading to mixed feelings among fans.

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When Assassin’s Creed Black Flag was released in 2013, it was more than just another installment in the popular franchise. It was a turning point moment for Ubisoft. The game introduced various new features and mechanics to the series. The standout feature was the addition of open-world adventure for the first time in the series.

The developers heard and integrated the fan’s feedback into the game. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

However, what made this standout feature even more amazing was that it was driven by fan feedback. Instead of ignoring this feedback, Ubisoft embraced the idea, showcasing a rare instance where the company actually listened to the player’s feedback and delivered on the premise. Yet, now in 2024, players are questioning where this innovative and creative company has gone.

Ubisoft Turned Fan’s Wish Into Reality With Assassin’s Creed Black Flag

Fans of the Assassin’s Creed series have always been vocal about their desires. So before Black Flag’s release, they were asking for an open-world pirate adventure. They wanted a game that offered more than just exploration and historical intrigue, yearning for the freedom to navigate the seas and engage in naval combat.

As told by Content manager Carsten Myhill during an interview, Ubisoft was also looking for something to impress the players. So when the players suggested open-world exploration, it clicked that the next step in the American Revolution would be naval conflict. And nothing is better than allowing players to explore the sea in High Definition (HD) at that time.

Ubisoft knew that the video game landscape was missing an HD open-world action-adventure game and without any hesitation, the company gave its all to fill this gap in the market, wanting to capitalize on the unique opportunity. Mythill’s exact words were:

We look at what the fans are saying, and when we’re deciding on a setting we look at the competition and whether there’s a gap there – which in this case there obviously is.

This interview highlighted a crucial aspect of Black Flag’s development, the attentiveness of Ubisoft. The company not only heard the fans’ feedback but also allowed itself to capitalize on the absence of a high-definition, open-world game, combining both of these factors to deliver a tremendous game.

Lessons Learned from Black Flag’s Development

Fans are wondering why the company has taken a few steps backward after the turning point. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag will always serve as a powerful reminder that if the company is willing to listen to fan feedback and see the correct path forward, it can create a great reputation and earn itself a name in the gaming industry.

For many, the game highlights a time when Ubisoft was actively engaging with the fans, understanding their desires, and taking bold actions to achieve maximum player satisfaction. During the early 2010s, the company was aiming to create something that would transcend time, a game that players would be talking about forever.

However, while the gaming industry has continued to evolve after this, fans feel that the company has actually taken a few steps backward. This sad sentiment is coming from recent titles that are using various cheap and sometimes questionable tactics to increase player engagement.

As time passes, the unofficial collaboration of fans and company over Black Flag will always remain a beloved chapter in the company’s history. In the end, when players look back on this game, it will show them the power of community influence and the possibilities that arise when companies listen to the voices that matter most, the players.

What is your favorite title in the series? Tell us in the comment section below.

Written by Shubham Chaurasia

Articles Published: 334

Shubham is a tryhard gamer who loves to play and write about games/news. At first, writing was just a hobby but now its his profession. If he is not online lurking in Valorant or trying his luck in gacha games, you can find him binging on some anime series.