Gaming industry insider Tom Henderson reports that Ubisoft had internally targeted March 19 for the launch of its unannounced Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remake. According to Henderson, the release was planned as digital-only with no physical version at launch.
Those plans have since changed. The project has reportedly been pushed into a later fiscal window, though the exact new timing remains unclear.
Henderson is considered a reliable source for early gaming industry information and is associated with Insider Gaming. The confusion around timing comes from fiscal year. When reports mention “FY2027,” many assume that means calendar year 2027. In reality, Ubisoft’s fiscal year typically runs from April through March, meaning FY2027 could include a release window as early as April 2026 through March 2027.
Ubisoft hasn’t publicly announced the Black Flag remake or confirmed any release plans. The company has been reshuffling its project slate recently, with reports of multiple game cancellations and schedule adjustments.
The original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag launched in 2013 and remains one of the franchise’s most beloved entries. Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, the game followed Edward Kenway through the Caribbean with heavy emphasis on naval combat and exploration aboard the Jackdaw.
A remake typically means more than just visual upgrades. Modern remakes usually involve rebuilt assets, updated gameplay systems, reworked UI, and potentially narrative adjustments. This differs from a remaster, which primarily boosts resolution and performance while keeping the core game intact.
The digital-only approach would be notable for a major franchise remake. While digital sales dominate the market, big AAA releases typically still ship physical versions for retail visibility and collector demand. Going digital-only could signal a smaller-scope project or a different positioning strategy.
The reason for the apparent shift remains unknown. Development teams sometimes need extra polish time, or strategic scheduling considerations come into play. The digital-only approach itself may have been reconsidered as part of the delay.
