Tom's Guide first previewed Ubisoft's open-world multiplayer pirate game Skull & Bones in 2017. It was then previewed again in 2018. Then the game was delayed, and again in 2019. And now we finally have a release date for Skull & Bones, but it's still a long way off, in 2022 or 2023. (That is, if it is not postponed again.)

The information comes from Ubisoft's most recent earnings call, as covered by Eurogamer. An investor asked when "Skull & Bones" is likely to be released, to which the company replied that it will probably be released in the fiscal year 2022-2023. Since Ubisoft's fiscal year begins in March, Skull & Bones would be released between March 2022 and March 2023, unless it is postponed again.

Eurogamer also notes that the TV adaptation of Skull & Bones is also still MIA, although it seems reasonable that Ubisoft would want to launch the two products closer together.

But one thing is clear: Ubisoft wants to expand its offerings beyond traditional big-budget games. During the same earnings call, Ubisoft explained that in the future it hopes to generate more revenue from free-to-play games using microtransactions. (See "Fortnite," "Call of Duty: Warzone," and most of the mobile gaming industry.)

Whether Skull & Bones can fit into Ubisoft's new paradigm remains to be seen; an 18th century massively multiplayer naval combat game certainly sounds pretty niche, especially considering how much effort is put into the average live service title Skull & Bones is likely to give Ubisoft plenty of opportunities to charge for additional optional content, but it may not have the same immediate impact as a shooter.

For those unfamiliar with Skull & Bones, it is an ingenious concept. Ubisoft basically took the naval battle mechanics from Assassin's Creed IV and Assassin's Creed Rogue and expanded them into a full game. Skull & Bones takes place entirely on the high seas, with players fighting enemy ships and each other. There are some fantasy elements, and one trailer showed a Kraken rising from the sea. By completing missions, players can get better equipment for their ships, which in turn allows them to hunt tougher ships and get even better equipment.

In short, don't expect "Skull & Bones" anytime soon, but don't get your hopes up just yet. It is very possible that Ubisoft will cancel the game between now and 2023, but for now, it is still on the high seas, just over the horizon.