Skull and Bones comes with a price tag of $60, or its equivalent in your local currency, which might seem steep, especially considering its features resembling those of a live-service game, such as an in-game store, battle pass, seasonal events, and premium currency.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot defended this pricing during an investors call today, stating that the high cost is justified because it’s a “quadruple-A game.”

Guillemot’s response came after an analyst raised concerns about whether the price might limit the game’s player base.

“You’ll find that Skull and Bones offers a comprehensive gaming experience,” Guillemot explained. “It’s expansive and meticulously crafted. We believe players will truly appreciate the depth and richness it offers. So, rest assured, it’s a top-tier gaming experience that will prove its worth over time.”

Guillemot’s assurance—”It’s a remarkable game!”—was predictable. However, it’s noteworthy that the pricing of Skull and Bones has come under scrutiny. In my years of attending investor calls, I don’t recall such direct questioning of a specific pricing decision. While discussions on industry trends, like the rise of free-to-play models or concerns voiced by figures such as Capcom president Haruhiro Tsujimoto in 2023 about “low game prices,” are common, questioning why a particular game is priced as it is is quite unusual—it implies a certain level of criticism.

Publicly, Ubisoft is optimistic about the potential of Skull and Bones. It’s one of two “premium” games set for release in the fourth quarter, alongside Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Guillemot expressed confidence that it “has the potential to become a staple in live gaming experiences over the long term.”

We’ll soon see how this unfolds: The pre-release open beta is currently live, with the full launch of Skull & Bones scheduled for February 16.