Journey into the savage golden age of pirates with Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, the next installment in the Assassin's Creed franchise, will be released in North America on October 29th and across Europe on October 31st for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U and PC, Ubisoft has announced. The game will also be released for the PlayStation 4 and "other next generation consoles" at a later date.

Introducing an all new hero and setting, Assassin's Creed 4 tells the story of Edward Kenway, a young British man who falls from privateering for the Royal Navy into piracy as the war between the major Empires comes to an end. Edward is a fierce pirate and seasoned fighter who soon finds himself embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. Set at the dawn of the 18th Century, the game features some of the most infamous pirates in history, such as Blackbeard and Charles Vane, and takes players on a journey throughout the West Indies during a turbulent and violent period of time later to become known as the Golden Age of Pirates.

“With the new hero and new setting we are creating the boldest and most unique Assassin’s Creed game yet, while still respecting the pillars of the franchise that have made it such a fan favorite,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag is based on a true, harsh and exciting part of a legendary era and will thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike.”

Gameplay in Assassin’s Creed 4 is based upon the franchise’s proven tenets. Assassin's Creed 4 features a vast open world with more than 50 navigable locations. Combat combines the weaponry of the Assassin’s Order with armaments of the era, and rewards both daring and stealth.

Those who purchase Assassin’s Creed 4 on the PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 can download 60 minutes of additional gameplay via the PlayStation Network after the game’s launch.