PARIS, April 19, 2026, 18:32 (CEST)
Ubisoft’s much-speculated Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced is now aiming for a July 9, 2026 launch, according to Insider Gaming, which puts a firmer timeline around the high-profile remake. PlayStation 5 users, meanwhile, are being nudged toward in-console features that might squeeze out better performance. BGR’s Joshua Hawkins pointed to four settings worth toggling — VRR, ALLM, 120 Hz output, and Performance Mode — for those after smoother gameplay.
The clock is ticking for Ubisoft, which is still working to regain investor trust after a string of delays, cancellations, and major restructuring moves. Back in March, Ubisoft said support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows was entering its final stage, while development teams were already putting more attention toward the franchise’s future. That same update hinted at “some whispers” picking up momentum. Ubisoft
This comes amid pricier consoles for shoppers. Sony Interactive Entertainment bumped up recommended retail prices for the PS5, PS5 Pro, and PlayStation Portal starting April 2. Isabelle Tomatis, vice president of global marketing, acknowledged the price hike “impact[s] our community,” adding that ongoing global cost pressures left the company with little choice. PlayStation.Blog
BGR’s roundup isn’t about new hardware. Instead, it focuses on settings tweaks. Topping the list: Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). This feature lets a compatible display sync its refresh rate with what the PS5 is putting out. According to Sony, that should help reduce things like screen tearing and frame-pacing hiccups—though results can vary, depending on which game, TV, and mode you’re using.
You get a few more useful tweaks. ALLM—that’s auto low-latency mode—will kick your supported TV into low-lag settings as soon as a game starts. BGR points out it’s smart to set 120 Hz output to automatic on displays that can handle it, and go for Performance Mode if you want higher frame rates instead of max resolution in games that offer the choice.
Ubisoft’s Black Flag remake is drawing the most commercial interest. According to Insider Gaming, media and content creators got a 30-minute look on April 16, after Ubisoft pushed a planned announcement to the week after. The presentation highlighted fresh updates and content, with Ubisoft emphasizing, “It is not an RPG.” Insider Gaming
Ubisoft hasn’t backed the July 9 date in any of its public statements so far. In a March update, the company focused on Codename Hexe and Codename Invictus, outlining co-op features and plans for legacy support. The only technical upgrade mentioned: a 60fps patch for Assassin’s Creed Unity on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is still one of Ubisoft’s most recognizable titles, centered on Edward Kenway’s adventures—and piracy—across the 1715 Caribbean. Ubisoft’s official site lists 50 locations for players to explore, with places like Kingston and Nassau in the mix. Ship upgrades, treasure hunts, and naval combat are all highlighted features.
Markets still look choppy. Ubisoft ended April 17 in Paris at 5.07 euros, climbing 6.85% on the day, yet the stock is off 44.37% from a year ago, per StockAnalysis. Back in January, Ubisoft shares plunged after news of a major overhaul and the axing of six titles, Reuters reported. Corentin Marty at TP ICAP Midcap dubbed the move “the big shake-up,” signaling that a turnaround in cash flow isn’t on the immediate horizon. StockAnalysis
It’s not exactly smooth sailing for Sony, either. Reuters noted last month that Sony hiked PS5 prices by $100 in the U.S.—Microsoft followed a similar playbook, bumping up Xbox prices last year. So, the push for PS5 settings tweaks lands in a market where gamers might be more interested in squeezing extra life out of old consoles than shelling out for a new one.
Here’s the catch: Ubisoft could still move the date, and the reveal hasn’t materialized. Hardware-wise, VRR, 120 Hz, and Performance Mode aren’t universal fixes—BGR points out you’ll need a supported TV and the right game, and Sony warns performance depends on both title and display.
At this point, Ubisoft is steering one of its flagship franchises closer to a return. PS5 users, meanwhile, get a handful of steps that might squeeze some extra performance out of tough titles, no wallet required. Helpful, but hardly a game-changer.
