Developer Rare have announced Sea of Thieves will now have new content via seasons, rather than the monthly updates.
In the latest video on the game’s updates (found below) executive producer Joe Neate revealed that 11 million players played the game this year alone. In addition, the game’s playerbase is said to be an equal split between Windows PC and console (Xbox One and Xbox Series X). The game had a total of 15 million players in in late July since launch.
Further, Neate stated that 97% of playtime had been spent in adventures. As such, that will be the focus of the game’s updates and new content, rather than the arena mode (though that will still be maintained).
Creative Director Mike Chapman also discussed the game’s future. After a year and a half of monthly updates, Sea of Thieves will begin seasonal content starting January 2021. The first season will have a merchant-aligned event, attempting to track down a missing ship and its cargo. There will also be three live events.
Each season will last around three months, each beginning with new content and ways to play. There will also be regular and live events, new rewards, and improvement patches. There will also be a seasonal progression system; with players earning renown for taking part in activities old and new to earn rewards for reaching each of the 100 milestones.
There will also be a premium tier for the season content, the Plunder Pass. This will grant some unique and exclusive rewards in addition to the aforementioned renown rewards.
Finally, the Festival of Giving events will launch December 9th, along with the return of Gilded Voyages.
You can find the full rundown on the game (via Steam) below.
Sea of Thieves is available for Windows PC (via the Microsoft Store, and Steam), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. If you missed it, you can find our review here (we can’t recommend it enough!!)
Image: Steam