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24 May 2026

Drunk Edward Kenway loading animation returns in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

Ubisoft has shown fresh footage that confirms the returning drunken loading screen of Edward Kenway in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced

Drunk Edward Kenway loading animation returns in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced

The recent social posts from Ubisoft have clarified a small but memorable detail fans feared might vanish: the jaunty, drunken loading screen featuring Edward Kenway. For years players of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remember unusual Animus sequences, where an in-universe character behaves oddly during an Animus loading sequence. When hints appeared that the wobbling, inebriated version might be altered or removed in the remaster project, community chatter picked up quickly.

Ubisoft’s UK account posted short clips to demonstrate the new approach, putting the question to rest. The first clip shows a version of the game where the screen itself seems to sway while Edward runs, creating a wobble effect. The second clip goes further: it depicts the proper sequence where Edward drinks and then collapses, matching the tone of the original. These posts ended speculation and confirmed that the team preserved the spirit of that quirky moment in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.

What fans spotted and why it mattered

Players were quick to notice subtle differences between the original and the remastered footage. The concern centered on how loading screens, a small but beloved part of the original game’s personality, would appear in the updated edition. In the original title, loading animations sometimes doubled as character vignettes, and the stumbling Edward became an iconic, laughable moment that punctuated transitions. When a short clip circulated showing only a swaying screen while Edward ran normally, some interpreted it as a sign the team had simplified or omitted the gag entirely.

How Ubisoft responded

Rather than leaving explanations to community speculation, Ubisoft responded with direct visual confirmation. The publisher shared two short videos from the official UK social account: one demonstrating the swaying-screen clip and another that reintroduces the full drunken sequence. With these clips Ubisoft confirmed that the team preserved the falling, intoxicated beat in the final product. The company’s action replaced doubt with the concrete evidence that the moment would exist in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced much like the original.

Details of the posted footage

The two clips differ in tone and purpose. The first video appears to display the gameplay camera and a moving screen effect while Edward Kenway runs normally; this one created initial confusion. The second video reinstates the original setup: Edward takes a drink, then loses balance and falls, delivering the gag players remembered. By sharing both clips, the publisher made it clear the remaster includes variants of the sequence and chose not to erase that piece of character-driven loading design.

Release timing and where to try it

If you want to see the sequence in action, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced arrives on exactly 9 July 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. That date was part of the official rollout information and remains unchanged. In addition to the clips, Ubisoft allowed previews and the editorial team has already spent time with a build of the remaster, confirming that the preserved loading moments are faithful to the original while benefiting from updated presentation treatment.

What this means for players

For many players, the presence of small details like the drunken loading screen matters because these touches contribute to the game’s tone and the character of Edward Kenway. Retaining such elements shows attention to nostalgia and fan sentiment in the remaster process. The inclusion suggests Ubisoft aimed to balance modern polish with the original’s memorable quirks, ensuring long-time fans feel recognized while newcomers experience the full flavor of Black Flag.

Notes on the announcement and editorial context

Social media posts clarified the situation quickly and the two-clip approach functioned as both a clarification and a demonstration. The videos originated from the official UK account tied to the franchise, and the editorial team behind this article has tested the remaster in preview form, noting the preserved moments and overall improvements. As a reminder, some coverage may include affiliate links that support publication, and full editorial policy details are available on the publisher’s ethics page.

Author

Matteo Galli

Matteo Galli covered the labor demonstration in Piazza Duomo, documenting key moments with photos and minutes; front-page reporter who suggests morning editorial openings. Raised in Milan, brings graphic notes to the newsroom and a collection of theater posters.