Ubisoft: Assassin’s Creed IV gives pirates the ‘HBO treatment’

Ubisoft wants to ‘redefine piracy in modern entertainment’ with Assassin’s Creed IV.

The new title features a new pirate assassin, but this is a far more serious take on the pirate story than Treasure Island and Pirates of the Carribean – something that’s new to video games and Ubisoft hopes it will reach a mass audience.

We have a fantastic opportunity for pirates in video games,” said lead content manager Carsten Myhill.

Certainly when Assassin’s Creed III naval came out, there was a clamour from the fans for a pirate game. There’s no-doubt that the people want it.”

He added: But it’s not easy. It takes a very talented team, a lot of experience and great tech. It’s one thing having good naval combat, but combining that with good boarding and land-based gameplay in a seamless way, is hard to do.

We’re staying away from cliches. Things like walking the plank, parrots on the shoulder and hooks for hands. We are giving pirates the HBO, reality treatment. And that allows us to redefine piracy in entertainment. No longer is it for kids.”