Skull and Bones is finally on Steam, but unfortunately, it’s not going well

Ubisoft’s pirate-themed game, Skull and Bones, has had a tumultuous journey since its initial announcement. The game, which promised to deliver an immersive pirate experience set in the golden age of piracy, faced numerous delays and setbacks during its development cycle. Originally conceived as an expansion for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, it eventually evolved into a standalone title. However, the long development period led to skepticism among gamers, and by the time it was finally released, the market had shifted significantly. Competing titles like Sea of Thieves had already established a strong foothold, making it challenging for Skull and Bones to carve out its niche.

The much-anticipated release of Skull and Bones on Steam on August 22 was seen as a potential turning point for the game. Steam, being the epicenter of PC gaming, offers a vast audience and a robust platform for any title looking to gain traction. Ubisoft hoped that this move would breathe new life into the game, attracting a larger player base and improving its overall performance. The launch was accompanied by a significant discount, slashing the game’s price by 60% in an attempt to entice new players. This promotional strategy was aimed at lowering the barrier to entry and encouraging more gamers to give Skull and Bones a try.

Despite these efforts, the game’s performance on Steam has been underwhelming. Since its release, Skull and Bones has only managed to attract a peak of 394 concurrent players. This figure pales in comparison to its direct competitor, Sea of Thieves, which continues to enjoy a robust player base. Even Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, one of the inspirations behind Skull and Bones, boasts higher player numbers. The disappointing turnout raises questions about the game’s appeal and whether the extended development period ultimately hindered its success.

One of the primary reasons for the game’s lackluster performance could be attributed to its mixed reception among players. On Steam, Skull and Bones holds a ‘mixed’ rating, with only 50% of user reviews being positive. Players have cited various issues, ranging from gameplay mechanics to content depth, as reasons for their dissatisfaction. Despite frequent content updates and patches from Ubisoft, these efforts have not been sufficient to sway public opinion. The game’s initial launch woes seem to have left a lasting impression, making it difficult for it to recover fully.

Adding to the game’s challenges is the delay of its planned free trial and Steam Deck version. The free trial was expected to serve as a crucial tool in attracting hesitant players, allowing them to experience the game without any financial commitment. However, its postponement has likely deterred potential newcomers. Similarly, the delay of the Steam Deck version means that players who prefer portable gaming are left waiting, further limiting the game’s reach. These delays have compounded the game’s struggles, making it harder for Ubisoft to turn the tide in its favor.

In an attempt to bolster the game’s appeal, Ubisoft has rolled out multiple content updates since its launch. These updates have introduced new ships, enemy factions, and customization options, among other features. Season 3, for instance, brought a new storyline, additional weapons, and world events designed to enrich the gameplay experience. However, despite these enhancements, the core issues that plagued the game at launch seem to persist. Players continue to voice concerns over the game’s depth and progression system, indicating that more substantial changes may be needed to address these fundamental problems.

Comparisons with other live-service games reveal that Skull and Bones may simply be going through the growing pains typical of such titles. Games like Destiny 2 and The Division also faced initial criticism but managed to turn things around through consistent updates and community engagement. Ubisoft’s commitment to improving Skull and Bones suggests that they are aware of the game’s shortcomings and are actively working to address them. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to win back disillusioned players and attract new ones.

The game’s presence on Ubisoft Connect, Ubisoft’s own launcher, has also seen less traffic compared to Steam. This discrepancy highlights the importance of Steam as a platform for reaching a broader audience. While Ubisoft Connect offers certain benefits, such as exclusive content and integration with other Ubisoft titles, it lacks the extensive user base and visibility that Steam provides. The transition to Steam was supposed to mitigate this issue, but the results so far have been less than promising.

One silver lining for Skull and Bones is its visual and immersive gameplay, which has received praise from some quarters. The game’s stunning graphics and attention to detail create a captivating pirate world that players can lose themselves in. The diverse ship classes, each with unique abilities and strengths, add a layer of strategic depth to naval battles. Players can engage in sea battles, trade goods, and upgrade their ships, offering a variety of activities to keep them engaged. These elements have garnered positive feedback and could serve as a foundation for future improvements.

Ubisoft’s decision to offer the game at a discounted price until September 5th is a strategic move to boost sales and player numbers. The discount extends to both the deluxe and premium editions, providing additional value to potential buyers. However, the success of this promotion will largely depend on whether the game can overcome its existing issues and deliver a compelling experience. If the upcoming free trial and Steam Deck version manage to attract more players, it could mark a turning point for Skull and Bones.

For those interested in trying out Skull and Bones, there are various resources available to help them get started. Reviews and guides provide detailed breakdowns of the game’s strengths and weaknesses, offering valuable insights for new players. A comprehensive ship guide, for instance, can help players choose the best vessels for their playstyle, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, daily PC gaming news and reviews can be found on platforms like Google News, keeping players informed about the latest developments in the gaming world.

Ultimately, the fate of Skull and Bones hinges on Ubisoft’s ability to address player feedback and deliver meaningful updates. The game’s current trajectory suggests that there is potential for improvement, but it will require sustained effort and community engagement. As the live-service model continues to evolve, Skull and Bones must adapt to meet the expectations of its player base. Whether it can achieve the staying power of other successful titles remains to be seen, but the journey ahead promises to be an interesting one for both Ubisoft and its players.