Ubisoft has addressed criticism from players regarding microtransactions in the recently released Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, stating that the standard edition of the game provides the "full, complete experience." The publisher's comments come in response to a surge of negative reviews on Steam, where players have voiced concerns about the extent of purchasable downloadable content available at launch.
While Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has garnered positive reception from critics and achieved 2 million in sales, its Steam user rating has declined due to its monetization model. The game is priced at $60, and additional day-one DLC bundles amount to over $84. These optional purchases include cosmetic items like outfits for protagonist Edward Kenway and ship decorations, as well as gameplay-affecting content such as a map pack that reveals secret locations, saving players the effort of extensive exploration. One Steam user, LittleFire131, expressed frustration that such convenience features are locked behind a paywall, arguing that it detracts from the sense of accomplishment in a single-player title.
In response to the player feedback, a Ubisoft representative stated on Steam, "We want to be clear on one point: the standard edition is the full, complete experience. Every mission, every island, the full story and the complete world are all there, with nothing held back." The publisher emphasized that the additional packs are "entirely optional extras for players who want them, never a requirement to enjoy or complete the game." This stance contrasts with recent controversies surrounding games like Grand Theft Auto VI, where certain items and locations were reportedly locked behind more expensive editions.
Ubisoft highlighted that, unlike some other open-world RPGs, no content within Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is inaccessible without paid upgrades. This is a notable point given the franchise's history, where past single-player entries have featured microtransactions such as purchasable gear that impacts combat or XP boosters to reduce grinding. Although Ubisoft's approach to monetization in single-player games has seen some adjustments, players have generally become more accustomed to cosmetic add-ons and paid extras in games across the industry. Nevertheless, the issue has sparked a significant debate among players on Steam, with ongoing discussions following Ubisoft's official response.