The long-speculated remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag has seemingly been confirmed through an offhand comment by Matt Ryan, the actor who voiced Edward Kenway in the original 2013 release. During a fan meet-and-greet at a recent convention, Ryan hinted at a return to the high seas when asked about the game.
“Have you beaten the game? Well, you may have to beat it again. Especially this one. There’s a reason I say that, but I can’t say anything,” Ryan reportedly said while signing autographs. The remark quickly made the rounds online, reigniting discussion around a potential remake of the popular Assassin’s Creed title.
Rumors about a Black Flag remake have circulated for the past two years. In July 2023, Kotaku reported that Ubisoft had started work on updating the fourth mainline Assassin’s Creed game, originally developed by Ubisoft Montréal. That report also stated that Ubisoft Singapore would be contributing to the project. The studio previously worked on Black Flag’s naval combat, which was a defining feature of the game and later served as the foundation for its standalone pirate title, Skull and Bones.
Additional details emerged in October 2024, when industry insider Tom Henderson shared that development on the remake was further along than many had assumed. Ubisoft had reportedly scheduled Assassin’s Creed: Shadows for late 2024 and the Black Flag remake for a November 2025 release. However, with Shadows now slated to launch in February 2025 following a delay, the timeline for the remake has shifted accordingly. Sources suggest a revised release window sometime in 2026.
Ubisoft has not issued any formal statements confirming the existence of the remake, but Ryan’s comment adds credibility to ongoing speculation. His involvement also raises the possibility that he is returning to voice Kenway once again, potentially with re-recorded lines or expanded narrative elements.
The timing of this unofficial reveal may indicate that Ubisoft is preparing to make a formal announcement in the near future. With Gamescom Opening Night Live scheduled for August and The Game Awards set for December, either event could serve as a platform for unveiling the project. Ubisoft has historically used such shows to highlight major titles and generate interest in upcoming releases.
While fans await confirmation, Ryan’s remarks have reignited excitement among those who consider Black Flag one of the strongest entries in the franchise. The original game earned praise for its blend of open-world exploration, pirate-themed gameplay, and a charismatic lead character. A modernized version could bring the title to new audiences while updating visuals, mechanics, and accessibility for current-generation hardware.
