Ubisoft has turned the promotion of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced into a real-life adventure. Partnering with French startup Unsolved Hunts, the company is launching a global treasure hunt called Gold & Crystal. The grand prize is a treasure worth $500,000 hidden somewhere in the Caribbean. It consists of a crystal skull inspired by the game's artifact and a chest of gold coins bearing the logo of the updated Black Flag.
The treasure's value is split between two key items. The gold coins, produced by AuCOFFRE, are valued at $350,000. The crystal skull with opal, crafted by French artisan Hervé Obligi, is worth $150,000. Organizers stress that no prior knowledge of Assassin's Creed is needed. All 15 puzzles can be solved from anywhere in the world, with a trip to the Caribbean required only at the final stage to reach the actual stash.
Don't expect a quick resolution. The hunt is designed to last between two and five years, making Gold & Crystal more of a long intellectual expedition than a typical promotional contest. Participants must buy one of the access packs to join. The cheapest digital option, Deckhand, costs €34.99. Pricier bundles include physical materials: maps, letters, journals, board games, replica coins, Captain Kenway's flag, and other collectibles.
Gold & Crystal kicks off on November 9, four months after the July 9 release of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. This could be one of Ubisoft's most unusual marketing campaigns in years. Instead of standard trailers and pre-order bonuses, the company is essentially inviting fans to literally follow in the footsteps of pirates and search for real gold.