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Jean-Francois Vallee, managing director of Ubisoft Singapore, expressed pride in leading the development of the first major video game from a Singaporean or Southeast Asian studio. He highlighted the supportive atmosphere surrounding this achievement, emphasizing the positive impact on Singapore’s gaming ecosystem.
Backed by a grant from the Singaporean government’s Economic Development Board in 2016, Ubisoft Singapore embarked on creating an “AAA” title, denoting a game produced and distributed by prominent publishers with substantial development and marketing budgets.
Despite Singapore’s burgeoning gaming community, initial reviews of Skull and Bones have been mixed. The game holds a critic rating of 64 out of 100 on Metacritic, with a “Generally Unfavorable” user rating. However, Vallee remains optimistic, citing the engagement of millions of players who participated in the open beta.
Skull And Bones, described as a “co-op open world pirate action RPG,” is priced at $60 for the standard version, with plans for future updates and enhancements.
The game’s development process faced numerous challenges, including launch delays and a reboot in 2018. Reports suggest multiple changes in creative direction and management issues within Ubisoft contributed to the prolonged development.
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot defended the game’s price tag, labeling it a “quadruple-A game” during an earnings call. Despite criticism from some disappointed gamers, Guillemot expressed confidence in Skull and Bones’ long-term success.
Vallee reiterated Ubisoft Singapore’s commitment to Skull and Bones, emphasizing ongoing support and future development. However, he also hinted at a diverse portfolio of projects in the studio’s pipeline, indicating a dynamic future for Singapore’s gaming industry.