Some users are being auto-refunded for Skull and Bones, the upcoming pirate-themed adventure game from Ubisoft. The game was first announced 2017, and was initially envisioned as a multiplayer game based on the naval warfare mechanics of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and has evolved since then into a title that has drawn comparison to Sea of Thieves.
Skull and Bones has been repeatedly delayed, most recently being pushed back from its March 9th, 2023 release date to an unspecified date in the April 2023 - March 2024 fiscal year. The latest delay marks the sixth time the game has been delayed, thanks to seemingly constant shifts in direction and scope. The latest Skull and Bones delay also saw Ubisoft canceling three unannounced games, while reassuring fans that Assassin's Creed Mirage and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora were still in development, alongside another unannounced title.
Some players have reported that their pre-orders for Skull and Bones have been automatically refunded by the PlayStation Store. While it is no longer available to pre-order on Sony's storefront, players can still wishlist the game. Players who have pre-purchased Skull and Bones on other platforms have not been affected at this time, although the game was delisted from Steam some time ago. It is apparent that 2023 is a make or break year for Ubisoft, with the company's financial woes being well-documented. Skull and Bones being automatically refunded is a worrying development on the face of it.
It's only natural that players who were looking forward to playing Skull and Bones in March of this year are starting to feel anxious about whether or not the game will see the light of day, especially after repeated delays. When games are delayed, players will often comfort themselves by saying a delayed game is eventually good. Regardless, one can only hope that the latest delay gives Ubisoft time to polish Skull and Bones and delight fans when it eventually releases.
While it may seem alarming that Skull and Bones pre-orders are being refunded on Sony's platform, it is unlikely that it spells more bad news for the game. Most likely, the refund was initiated as a result of the game's release being changed to an undefined date. After all, it has been scarcely two weeks since Ubisoft announced the latest delay in the face of a dire financial situation that prompted Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot to make some regrettable comments. One can only hope that Ubisoft is making the necessary decisions to right the ship and sail through the unfortunate storm the company has found itself in.
Skull and Bones is currently in development for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.