Summary
With the release ofSkull and Bones, Ubisoft has once again attempted to carve a slice of the live-service market out for itself. However, just like with many of its past attempts,Skull and Boneshas struggled to find its footing and may not have the lifespan the studio wanted. Yet, it still has plans to try again with numerous live-service games in various stages of development. And even though some of these games may end up being hits, the studio may want to consider dropping the premise altogether, with the risk not being worth the investment.
Not only has Ubisoft seemingly struggled to break into the genre like it wants to, but the live-service genre on a whole has become increasingly controversial over these last couple of years. Whiletitles likeFortniteare still going strong, many other games have not shared that same fate. Additionally, some players have started dreading the entire concept, refusing to give live-service projects a chance. Even if brand-new titles likeHelldivers 2are seeing massive success through the model, it may be time for other studios like Ubisoft to go back to doing what it has done best in the past: singleplayer adventures.
Ubisoft May Want to Consider Pivoting Away From the Live-Service Genre
Ubisoft Has Been Struggling With Live-Service Games
Since the massive sensation that isFortnite, many major video game studios have been attempting to craft their own live-service experience. Ubisoft is no different, as its recent release slate seems to be dominated by similar titles. The studio has brought the concept toTom ClancythroughThe Division,Rainbow Six Siege,andGhost Recon Breakpoint. Along with that, it has also released games likeHyper Scape,Trackmania,The Crew Motorfest,Riders Republic, and, most recently,Skull and Bones. If that was not enough, its singleplayer titles such asAssassin’s Creed Valhallahave also adopted some controversial live-service mechanics.
There seems to be no shortage of live-service Ubisoft games right now, and the studio has plans for even more in the future.It is currently hard-at-work onXDefiant,Assassin’s Creed Infinity,Tom Clancy’s The Division Heartland, and the mysteriousProject U. Not much is known about some of these titles, but based on past Ubisoft live-service ventures, players may already know what to expect here.
While some of these games may be popular, a lot of them have struggled to make their intended mark.Hyper Scapewas shut down two years after release,Trackmania’s approach has proven controversial,Ghost Recon Breakpointended up being a commercial disappointment, andSkull and Boneshas allegedly not even hit a million players. The only recent live-service games that the studio seems to have had massive success with areTom Clancy’s The Division 2andRainbow Six Siege, whileAssassin’s Creed Valhallabecame the first game in the franchise to cross $1 billion in revenue thanks to its live-service mechanics.
It Might Be Time for Ubisoft to Go Back to What it Shines With
Ubisoft may have had a bit of success in the live-service market, but the majority of its titles in this area have come and gone with a whimper. Because of that, there is a very strong chance that its upcoming live-service games may also suffer the same fate. And as more of these games fail to deliver, the brand on a whole may be damaged. But, if the studio pivoted away from this model, then it may be able to right the ship.
Ubisoft has made a name for itself with its exciting singleplayer adventures thanks toAssassin’s CreedandFar Cry. Additionally, theTom Clancyseries was not always a live-service IP,original adventures likeImmortals: Fenyx Risingwere fantastic treats, andPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownwas a great surprise. Even if the money may be in live-service, finding that success is difficult, and there is so much more the studio could do outside of it. Perhaps recent failings likeSkull and Bonescould make it rethink that current approach a bit.
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.
