16-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) After more than a decade of development, Ubisoft Singapore has officially launched “Skull and Bones” for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC today. The game, which began development in 2013, marks the studio’s first major original intellectual property (IP) and has received significant attention due to its open-world pirate theme.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) confirmed that Ubisoft Singapore received a grant in 2016 to lead and develop an “AAA” game title from Singapore. “AAA” games are known for their high development and marketing budgets and often include popular franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Assassin’s Creed.
In “Skull and Bones,” players assume the role of a shipwrecked pirate who aims to become the most notorious pirate in the Indian Ocean through plundering and trading. Set in a 17th-century Indian Ocean open-world, players can craft and sail various ships, navigate treacherous waters and weather conditions, maintain their vessels and crew, and engage in battles on the high seas.
Despite its ambitious scope and reported cost of $200 million, the game has faced numerous challenges, including delays, reboots, and the departure of three creative directors. The prolonged development cycle has raised concerns about the game’s quality and creative direction. However, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in the game’s long-term success, describing it as a “fully-fledged” and “vast and complete” experience.
Early reviews of the game have been mixed, with some critics citing inconsistent gameplay and narrative issues. However, others have praised its engaging storyline and role-playing features. The game’s open beta, held from February 8 to February 11, allowed players to explore different factions and provide feedback before the official launch.
The launch of “Skull and Bones” holds significance for Singapore’s gaming industry, which has been striving to establish itself as a global player. The closure of Singapore-based studio Fntastic shortly after the disappointing launch of its game “The Day Before” highlighted the challenges faced by local developers. However, with Singapore boasting a high percentage of gamers in its population, the government has been actively supporting the growth of the gaming industry through initiatives like the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) INVIGORATE and Games Solution Centre (GSC).
Industry experts believe that the release of “Skull and Bones” could open doors for Singapore’s game development community. Desmond Wong, CEO of The Gentlebros, a Singaporean game development studio, sees the game as a significant step forward and hopes its success will encourage more blockbuster games to be created locally. Wong emphasized that Singapore possesses the talent and skills necessary to develop such games but often lacks the budget and resources.
Singapore’s gaming industry has tremendous potential, with a large proportion of gamers in Asia residing in the country. The government recognizes this and continues to support the nurturing and growth of local talent. As the first AAA game to come out of Singapore, “Skull and Bones” has the opportunity to pave the way for future successes and establish Singapore as a prominent player in the global gaming market.
