Despite player criticism, day-one downloadable content for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced generated more than $1 million in revenue on Steam, accounting for approximately 2.8% of the game's initial four-day sales.
The remaster brought in $35.1 million on Steam in its first four days. The controversial DLC, which includes cosmetic items totaling $85 and a map pack revealing collectible locations, contributed a notable sum to Ubisoft's overall earnings from the game. This revenue stream, while a small percentage of the total, still represents a significant financial success for the added content.
Alinea Insight's analysis indicates that the revenue from this day-one DLC, while potentially galling to players who prefer to discover in-game content organically, was a substantial profit for the publisher. The article notes that the cost of developing and implementing such DLC, particularly cosmetic packs and simple map data, is likely far less than the revenue it generated.
This trend highlights a broader pattern in the gaming industry where even content that draws player ire can become a significant source of income. The article draws a parallel to other instances where high-priced in-game items have yielded substantial profits, suggesting that player spending habits do not always align with calls for dissuasion against such monetization practices. Ubisoft, like other major publishers, operates with a business imperative, and the financial success of this DLC indicates a lucrative, if sometimes cynical, strategy.