Australian retailer EB Games just lit up r/GamingLeaksAndRumours with listings for a $399 AUD PureArts Assassin’s Creed Edward Kenway statue explicitly tied to AC: Black Flag. The timing – alongside PureArts’ earlier slip-ups – has convinced everyone that Ubisoft’s long-rumored Black Flag remake is real and imminent. Fans finally have concrete merch evidence beyond whispers.
PureArts made headlines in March 2025 during a livestream unveiling new AC statues. When fans noticed Edward Kenway’s absence from the lineup (despite existing polyresin figures), representatives awkwardly explained: “Assassin’s Creed fans should know there’s something going on with Edward… our PVC 1/8 scale statue will reflect that accordingly.” The co-host’s panicked “Has that been announced?!” became instant meme fodder.
PureArts’ Multiple Slip-Ups
PureArts accidentally confirmed Black Flag remake rumors three separate times:
- March 2025 Livestream: “Something going on with Edward” + missing statue
- EB Games AU Listing: $399 AUD Edward Kenway tied to Black Flag
- Product Teasers: PVC 1/8 scale (vs existing 1/4 polyresin)
Key detail: PureArts specifically calls out PVC material (cheaper than polyresin) and 1/8 scale for mass production, suggesting collector edition scale rather than ultra-limited run. The $399 AUD price (~$260 USD) positions perfectly between standard ($100-150) and premium ($400+) editions.
Why Black Flag Remake Makes Sense
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed 2024 plans for “select older titles” remakes. Black Flag topped fan wishlists since Assassin’s Creed Mirage proved appetite for tighter design. Perfect timing:
- Fan favorite naval combat + Caribbean setting
- Shadows (2025) shifts to Japan, freeing pirate slot
- 13th anniversary (2026) ideal refresh window
- RE Engine modernization proven by Mirage
Development rumors point to Singer Studios (ex-Vigil) leading since 2023, targeting fiscal 2026 (April 2026-March 2027). Edward’s visual refresh explains statue delays – new face scan, outfit tweaks for modern fidelity.
Expected Collector Edition Contents
| Item | Details | Original 2013 Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Edward Statue | PureArts 1/8 PVC, updated model | 18″ resin assassin ($130) |
| Jackdaw Ship | LED-lit diorama likely | 55cm bow replica ($250+) |
| Artbook | Concept + environment art | 80-page hardcover |
| Steelbook | Pirate ship design | Original Black Chest exclusive |
| Flags/Maps | Embroidered crest, parchment | 28×48 pirate flag |
$399 price suggests game code included unlike some modern editions. PureArts quality exceeds Ubisoft’s in-house merch significantly.
Remake Upgrade Expectations
Black Flag’s naval/ships-within-fortresses design ages better than Origins/Odyssey bloat. Expected modernizations:
- RE Engine visuals (Mirage fidelity)
- Expanded wildlife/Caribbean ecosystem
- Combat overhaul (Shadows parry system)
- Jackdaw customization/crew management
- 4K/60fps + ray traced water
Timing and Announcement Windows
Statue leak timing suggests aggressive schedule:
- February 2026: State of Play/Direct reveal
- Summer 2026: Gameplay + preorder
- FY2026 Q4: Holiday 2026 launch
- PureArts ship: Q1 2027 post-launch
Ubisoft Forward absence 2025 pushed reveal to 2026 showcases. Fiscal 2026 target (ending March 2027) allows comfortable holiday window.
Community Credibility Check
r/GamingLeaksAndRumours consensus:
- 95% believe remake real (PureArts triple confirmation)
- 80% expect 2026 (fiscal alignment)
- Statue authenticity verified via EB Games AU
- Price reasonable for PureArts quality
PureArts’ track record with unannounced games (Shadows merch pre-reveal) adds credibility. Multiple independent slips reduce hoax probability to near-zero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the statue real?
Yes. EB Games Australia listing confirms PureArts Edward Kenway Black Flag statue at $399 AUD. Multiple screenshots circulated before pull-down.
Does this confirm Black Flag remake?
99% certainty. PureArts triple slips + fiscal 2026 rumors + Yves Guillemot confirmation too coincidental. Statue reflects Edward model changes.
When’s the announcement?
February 2026 likely (State of Play/Direct). Summer gameplay follows. Holiday 2026 launch targets FY2026 end.
$399 AUD price reasonable?
Yes for PureArts. PVC 1/8 scale mass-produces cheaper than polyresin. Includes game code unlike Bungie Marathon ($230 no game).
Which studio develops?
Singer Studios rumored lead (ex-Vigil). RE Engine confirmed via Mirage precedent. Possible Montreal support.
Modernization scope?
Visual rebuild + combat refresh expected. Naval core intact. No open-world bloat per Mirage success.
Platforms?
PS5, Xbox Series, PC minimum. Switch 2 unlikely given scope. Last-gen ports improbable.
Collector edition contents?
Edward statue, Jackdaw model, artbook, steelbook, flags/maps. PureArts quality exceeds Ubisoft in-house.
Pirate Flag Hoisted
PureArts accidentally fired the first cannon. Edward Kenway statue confirms Black Flag remake sails toward 2026. $399 collector edition signals confidence in mass-market appeal beyond niche collectors.
Fiscal alignment, CEO confirmation, and merch momentum leave no doubt – Ubisoft’s pirate flagship returns. PureArts’ bumbling authenticity adds charm to worst-kept gaming secret. Caribbean calls once more.