In a surprising turn of events, Skull and Bones has finally received a confirmed release date without any additional delays. Ubisoft, known for its persistent postponements of the old-time piracy game, announced the new release date during The Game Awards. The eagerly awaited title is now scheduled to hit the gaming scene on February 16, 2024. Prior to the official launch, a closed beta test is set to take place from December 15 to 18.
Skull and Bones has become the subject of numerous delays, creating a sense of humor around its release schedule. The most recent delay occurred in October, pushing the launch to late in Ubisoft’s 2023-24 fiscal year, aligning with the period between January 1 and March 31, 2024, which perfectly coincides with the newly revealed date.
The latest trailer introduces a slightly supernatural element, deviating from previous presentations and infusing a touch of Sea of Thieves vibes, at least on the surface.
While the anticipation for the game builds, the core concern for many remains the gameplay itself. Initial impressions from July 2022 left some wanting more, and a subsequent showcase in January of the following year failed to generate significant excitement. The gameplay, as observed, appeared lacking in interactivity and thrill. Plundering ports seemed to be a straightforward process of approaching, hitting the “plunder” button, and waiting for a timer to countdown.
Although Ubisoft has likely dedicated considerable effort to enhancing the gameplay loop, doubts linger about the possibility of a dramatic overhaul within the span of a year. A new gameplay deep dive trailer was released alongside the announcement, but initial impressions suggest that it doesn’t substantially differ from previous glimpses.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Skull and Bones will surpass the expectations set in January. Only time will tell if the game will live up to its February 2024 release date or if additional surprises are in store for eager gamers.
