Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake May Cut Modern Day Scenes, Fans Divided

According to a report from French outlet Jeuxvideo, the remake of Black Flag, expected to launch in 2026, will cut all gameplay segments that take place outside of the Animus. In the original 2013 game, these sections cast the player as a newly hired research analyst at Abstergo Entertainment, the modern-day front for the Templar Order. Players would periodically leave the Animus to explore the office, hack computers, and uncover files that connected Edward Kenway’s 18th-century pirate adventure to the series’ broader sci-fi narrative involving the Isu, Sages, and the ongoing Assassin-Templar conflict.

The report suggests that to compensate for the removed content, Ubisoft plans to add more gameplay within the historical pirate setting. This could include expanded storylines for supporting characters like Mary Read, which would certainly be a welcome addition for fans of the game’s historical narrative. Other reported changes include overhauling the combat and gear systems to align them more closely with recent entries in the series.

Despite the promise of new content, the removal of the modern-day story remains the most controversial point. This move follows a trend in recent Assassin’s Creed titles, like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which have significantly downplayed or minimized the modern-day storyline, much to the frustration of a vocal portion of the fanbase.

Fan Reaction and Narrative Concerns

The reaction from the community has been swift and divided, though a significant number of fans are voicing their concern. For many, the modern-day segments are not just filler; they are an integral part of what makes Assassin’s Creed unique. The idea that players are experiencing a genetic memory simulation provides crucial context and stakes to the historical narrative.

On social media and forums, fans have expressed their frustration. One sentiment is that without the modern-day plot and its sci-fi elements, the series risks becoming a generic open-world historical game, losing the distinctive identity that set it apart. “The best of the series is the fact that it was very clear that we were in a simulation!” one fan wrote, highlighting the importance of the Animus framework.

Others have pointed out the specific narrative implications of this change for Black Flag. The original game’s modern-day story was deeply intertwined with the historical plot, particularly concerning the concept of the Sage—a recurring human reincarnation of an Isu. “Wouldn’t removing the modern-day scenes remove a pretty big part of the story regarding the sage?” a fan questioned online. Indeed, the discovery and understanding of the Sage was a central mystery that connected Edward Kenway’s journey to the modern-day plot, culminating in a critical final scene outside the Animus. It remains unclear how the remake would handle these crucial plot points without the modern-day context.

Ubisoft’s Evolving Philosophy

This reported decision could reflect a broader strategic shift from Ubisoft. The modern-day storyline has always been a point of contention; while beloved by lore enthusiasts, it has often been criticized by more casual players who see it as an interruption to the main historical gameplay. By removing it, Ubisoft may be attempting to make the Black Flag remake more accessible and appealing to a wider audience who prefer a purely historical pirate fantasy.

This approach prioritizes the self-contained historical narrative, allowing new players to jump in without needing to understand years of complex overarching lore. However, it risks alienating the dedicated fans who have invested in the series’ deeper mythology since the beginning. For them, the modern-day story is the connective tissue that holds the entire franchise together, and its removal is seen as a betrayal of the series’ core identity.

As Ubisoft has yet to officially announce the Black Flag remake, these reports remain unconfirmed. However, the strong community reaction makes one thing clear: the role of the modern-day narrative is central to the soul of Assassin’s Creed. Whether the final product includes it or not will say a lot about the future direction of the franchise and how Ubisoft balances the desires of its most dedicated fans with the pursuit of a broader audience.