Actor Matt Ryan has reprised his role as Edward Kenway in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced, a new release now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The return of the lead actor arrives amid broader industry tensions regarding the shift toward all-digital console gaming and the potential for increased digital piracy.
Matt Ryan Returns to the Animus
Thirteen years after the initial release of the original game, Matt Ryan says he brings a different perspective to the character of Edward Kenway. “I’ve been on a bit of a journey myself in the last 13 years,” Ryan said. “I feel like I can really bring that weight to the character a little more than I did before.”
Ryan, recognized for his TV role as John Constantine in the DC universe, highlighted specific moments from the original production that resonated with him. He pointed to a scene involving the character Charles Vane, played by Ralph Ineson, as a highlight. “There’s one which is, ‘Don’t save a spot in hell for me, Shanker, ’cause I ain’t coming soon,'” Ryan noted. “I loved filming that scene.”
Matt Ryan’s return to the role comes as Black Flag Resynced provides a remake of the title for fans on current-generation hardware.
The Shift Away from Physical Media
The launch of Black Flag Resynced coincides with a polarizing trend in the gaming industry: the phasing out of physical game discs. When asked about Sony’s move toward digital-only hardware and the possibility that this could drive players toward piracy, Ryan acknowledged the concern. “Probably, yeah,” Ryan said. “The thing I don’t like about that so much is, like, I actually like the hard copy. There’s something physical about it.”
Ryan compared physical game media to the collectability of vinyl records or CDs. While he conceded that the economics of digital distribution—saving on printing and manufacturing costs—are clear, he believes the loss of physical media diminishes the experience for the gamer. “Maybe those things will become, like, collector’s editions or something like that,” he suggested.
Public Backlash and Industry Trends
Consumer resistance to the digital-only model is measurable. A Change.org petition titled “Don’t kill the disc” has garnered 270,000 signatures. Despite this public pushback, the industry appears to be moving toward a digital-first strategy. While skepticism remains regarding whether manufacturers will reverse course, the debate highlights a deepening divide between corporate efficiency and player ownership.
If you prefer physical media, keep an eye on “Collector’s Editions” releases. As standard physical discs become rarer, these premium editions are increasingly becoming the primary way to own a tangible copy of your favorite titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced a full remake?
Black Flag Resynced is a remake of the title designed for modern hardware, including PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Who voices Edward Kenway in this version?
Matt Ryan has returned to reprise his role for this project.
Why are people concerned about the lack of physical discs?
Many gamers value physical copies for their collectability and the sense of ownership they provide. Recent petitions, such as the one on Change.org with 270,000 signatures, reflect a significant portion of the community that opposes the shift to digital-only consoles.
What are your thoughts on the future of physical game discs? Do you prefer the convenience of digital downloads, or do you still collect hard copies? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on gaming industry trends.
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