Assassin's creed black flag resynced: ubisoft faces backlash over excessive dlc

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is launching to a chorus of complaints, with players slamming Ubisoft for a predatory approach to microtransactions.

A $85 sticker shock on steam

The revamped pirate adventure, initially priced at $60, is already generating controversy on Steam. The total cost of acquiring the game’s optional content – a staggering $85 – has ignited a furious response from the community. Initial reviews were largely positive, praising the visual enhancements and modernized gameplay, yet the sheer volume and pricing of the add-ons have proven to be a dealbreaker for many.

“You just couldn’t hold yourself?” – player fury

Social media exploded with frustration. One user, posting directly on the Steam page, penned a scathing message: “Come on Ubisoft you just couldn’t hold yourself huh?! Releasing a 70 euro game and on the DAY of the release you slap us with 85 euros worth of DLC packs that are just not cosmetic but give you a gameplay advantage this is why piracy exist and I will be refunding!”

Further criticisms centered around the perceived value proposition. “What’s the point of getting the deluxe version when, immediately in game, there’s $84.91 worth ‘DLC’ that you don’t own,” one fan lamented, highlighting the disconnect between the premium purchase and the subsequent digital onslaught of add-ons. Multiple players reported buying the Deluxe Edition only to discover a substantial amount of DLC already integrated into the game – effectively paying extra for content they’d otherwise receive automatically.

Ubisoft’s defense – “the standard edition is complete”

In a statement released on Steam, Ubisoft acknowledged player feedback, stating: “We’ve seen your feedback since launch, and we’re reading all of it. Thank you for caring this much about Black Flag Resynced. 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 company reiterated that the additional packs are entirely optional, intended solely for players seeking enhanced customization.

The arsenal of add-ons

The available DLC includes packs like the ‘Master Assassin’ and ‘Hellfire’ Character Packs, along with naval variations and a time-saving – but heavily priced – map pack. Despite Ubisoft’s assertion, the sheer breadth of available content, coupled with its individual $10 price tags, has been widely perceived as exploitative.

Strong sales despite the storm

Despite the negative publicity, Resynced is performing strongly commercially. Yesterday, the game shattered the franchise’s concurrent player record on Steam, peaking at approximately 100,000 – over a third more than Assassin’s Creed Shadows during its peak popularity. IGN praised the game, awarding it a 9/10, citing its modernization of a beloved classic. Tom Phillips, IGN’s News Editor, noted that “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced brings what was already one of the best games in the series up to today’s standards.”

Ultimately, the launch of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tension between game developers and players regarding microtransactions and perceived value.