Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Is Not an RPG, Yet RPG Sequels Remain a Focus for the Franchise

Earlier this month, I had the chance to dive into the upcoming remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It’s shaping up to be fantastic, and I can’t wait to explore more of it. I also had a conversation with the project leads about the franchise’s evolution, particularly how it now encompasses both expansive RPGs and more streamlined action-adventure experiences. Are we going to see a continued focus on RPG sequels, stick to action-adventure, or can we expect both styles to coexist in the future?

During my chat with game director Richard Knight and creative director Paul Fu, I brought up their public statement that Black Flag Resynced isn’t an RPG. This made me curious if there’s an effort to downplay the more recent RPG-heavy titles like Odyssey and Shadows, which feature extensive skill trees and loot systems. These games have sparked some division among fans. Is Ubisoft planning to keep producing these larger RPGs, or is Resynced hinting at a return to action-adventure roots?

“I believe there’s definitely room for both,” Fu shared. “I enjoy RPGs, but I also appreciate action and adventure games for their focused gameplay. The classic Assassin’s Creed titles were all about that focus—linear gameplay, tightly scripted events, and a strong narrative-driven protagonist. It’s a different experience, and I think both can thrive.”

When I asked Knight if both styles could coexist within the AC universe, he affirmed, “Absolutely.”

“That’s one of the things I love about Assassin’s Creed. We have multiple teams working on different projects. Some of those haven’t been announced yet, but it allows us to explore a variety of fascinating historical moments.”

Both Knight and Fu expressed enthusiasm for the RPG entries and seem confident that the franchise can support them. So why the emphasis on stating that Black Flag Resynced, touted as the next major installment, isn’t an RPG?

“It was crucial for us to reassure players that we want to capture the spirit of the original game,” Knight explained.

“When we reflect on the original Black Flag, Edward is a character who’s always pushing forward, which is evident in both gameplay and story. He makes mistakes but is always striving for the next goal, whether it’s earning money for his family, defeating the Templars, or becoming a better pirate. This relentless forward momentum lends itself to an action-oriented style. I want to reassure players that while there are other great Assassin’s Creed games, we’re staying true to Black Flag.”

I inquired if there was ever a consideration to make Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced an RPG during development, but Fu clarified that was never the intention.

“No. When we saw the leak claiming we were an RPG, we were basically laughing,” Fu said.

At that moment, everyone in the room shared a laugh. I pressed a bit further to confirm, asking if this has always been envisioned as a linear, single-player action-adventure game. “Absolutely, yes,” Fu replied, chuckling again.