Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag developers considered realistic naval stealth mechanics

During the development of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, the developers seriously discussed the possibility of implementing realistic naval tactics based on the historical characteristics of piracy. According to the game's writer, Darby McDevitt, recounted in the Imaginary Worlds podcast, the initial concept emphasized a stealthy approach—pirate ships would avoid direct confrontations with warships, focusing on attacks on lightly protected merchant ships. This approach would be consistent with historical reality, where pirates rarely engaged in open battles with superior forces.

After detailed discussions, the development team made a strategic decision to shift the game design direction toward more spectacular and dynamic gameplay. The final version of the game shifted its focus to large-scale naval battles involving multiple ships, intense artillery duels, and detailed boarding scenes.