Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Team Discusses What Sets Remakes Apart from Remasters: “It’s About Rebuilding from the Ground Up”

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to dive into the upcoming remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag at a Ubisoft event in San Francisco. While there, I spoke with the creative director, Paul Fu; game director, Richard Knight; and Anvil engine architect, Nicolas Lopez. Our conversation covered a lot of ground, but I was particularly interested in their take on a hot topic among fans: the distinction between a remake and a remaster.

Lopez and Fu were quick to clarify that Black Flag Resynced is a completely new game, built from the ground up with no code from the original 2013 Black Flag. This stunning remake utilizes the same version of Ubisoft’s Anvil engine that powered 2025’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows. As a result, players can expect all the modern features and enhancements typical of a cutting-edge AAA open-world game. However, Fu emphasized that a remake should involve more than just a visual upgrade.

“For me, the definition of a remake goes beyond just a graphical overhaul; it includes a systems overhaul or expansion, along with new content,” Fu explained. “A good remake should introduce new content and systems that build upon the core mechanics, which is our goal with Resynced.”

Lopez added his perspective on the remaster versus remake debate, stating, “Typically, I see a remaster as simply updating the code for new consoles, enhancing resolution, maybe adding upscalers or DLSS, but fundamentally using the same assets. We might improve a few textures, but that’s not what Resynced is. This is a full-blown remake.”

Knight also weighed in, asserting that a remake must be more than just a visually improved version of the original. It should compete with other recent blockbuster titles in both graphics and gameplay feel.

“I view a remaster as taking the original game and doing everything possible to enhance its appearance and add some modern features,” Knight said. “In contrast, a remake involves digging into the core and rebuilding. With Black Flag Resynced, it was essential for us not to merely repackage the old game with a fresh coat of paint, but to ensure it feels like the next Assassin’s Creed installment. We want it to feel like a modern game that, even if you’ve never played it before, you can pick up today and think, ‘This feels like a brand new Assassin’s Creed game.’ It’s about redoing models, cutscenes, and also incorporating the elements players expect from a new Assassin’s Creed title today.”

When I asked Knight if the intention was always to remake Black Flag rather than just remaster or port it, he confirmed that Resynced has “always been a remake” since development kicked off in 2023.

“What if we took the Black Flag experience and infused it with modern technology and features seen in games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Mirage?” Knight pondered. “What kind of game would emerge from that? The name Resynced reflects our vision to dream big, implement quality-of-life improvements, and adjust elements as needed to create the next Assassin’s Creed game.”

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on July 9.