Skull and Bones Set to Launch on Steam August 22: What's New?

Ahoy, gamers! 🏴‍☠️ If you're excited about the high seas and thrilling adventures, then mark your calendars! The much-anticipated game, Skull and Bones, is making its way to Steam on August 22, coinciding with the launch of the Season 3 update. This means that even more players will have the chance to chart their course through the Indian Ocean, face new challenges, and unlock a swath of fun features.

What’s Coming with Skull and Bones on Steam?

One of the most significant enhancements is the revamped experience for mouse-and-keyboard players. Ubisoft has focused on refining controls to make them feel more intuitive for PC gamers. According to the development team, this update was carefully curated with community feedback in mind, ensuring a seamless gameplay experience. This is especially important for those who prefer playing with a keyboard and mouse over a controller.

An Inside Look at the Updates

We had the opportunity to hear from key members of the development team, including Lead Gameplay Programmer Yi-Xun Neo and Senior Lead UI Artist Alexandr Yantchuk, who shared some exciting insights about the upcoming enhancements.

Why Update Mouse and Keyboard Controls Now?

The team recognized that many initial controls were designed with console players in mind. They wanted to ensure Skull and Bones feels natural for PC gamers. The changes include:

- Optimized controls: Now including double-click functionality, improved dragging and scrolling for maps, and new visually specialized widgets. ⚓

Understanding the Community’s Needs

The developers began by diving deep into the gameplay experience themselves. They focused on four pivotal areas:

- Map Navigation

- Shortcut Bar

- Inventory Management

- Key Binds

With feedback from community insiders, the team identified key changes that would significantly enhance the overall experience for those using mouse and keyboard setups.

Key Features Highlighted

Among the many updates, here are a few to look forward to:

1. Mouse Navigation Overhaul: Zooming in or out on maps relates to your mouse position, copying the player’s movements more accurately. 🌍

2. Action Bar Changes: A new horizontal action bar replaces the old action wheel, allowing players to navigate quickly between different actions using the mouse wheel.

3. Decoupled Key Binds: Players can now customize their controls for interacting with settlements and disembarking from ships, making it easier to tailor gameplay to their preferences.

Continuous Improvement

Ubisoft assures players that this is merely the beginning. The team plans to continually monitor player experiences and feedback to make further refinements. They are committed to making Skull and Bones on Steam a fulfilling gaming experience for everyone. The Insider Program remains active, providing players with early access to updates and the ability to shape future content. Excited? You can sign up directly on the Ubisoft website.

Special Launch Offer

To celebrate the impending Steam launch, Skull and Bones will be available at up to 60% off from August 22 to September 4! If you're unsure whether to dive into this pirate’s adventure, there’s also a free trial available for up to six hours starting from the launch date!

Don’t miss your chance to set sail on this thrilling journey. The sea awaits you! 🌊☠️

Remember to wishlist Skull and Bones on Steam and prepare for an unforgettable adventure on August 22! ⚓️