Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag collector's editions announced for Australia

Ubisoft have announced collector's editions for the upcoming Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Exclusive to Australia, the collector's editions will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, and Wii U iterations of the game. Fans will be able to choose from four different variations: The Black Chest Edition, The Buccaneer Edition, The Skull Edition, and The Special Edition.

The Black Chest Edition is only available via pre-order on Uplay and includes the following:

- Diorama of Captain Edward (55cm)
- Steelbook case
- Artbook
- Official soundtrack
- Two lithographs and two canvas prints
- All existing additional Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag unlockable in-game content, including single player missions, skins, and weapons
- Collector's box
- Parchment world map
- Original Black Flag.

The Buccaneer Edition is exclusive to retailer EB Games and will include the following:

- Edward Kenway Figurine (46 cm)
- Artbook
- Official soundtrack
- Two lithographs
- Collector's box
- Unlockable in-game content.

The Skull Edition comes with a steel case, artbook, soundtrack, two lithographs, and unlockable in-game content. The Special Edition will include in-game content available at launch.

Additionally, Ubisoft has announced a new VIP program for fans of the Assassin's Creed Universe. Named The Watch, the program is accessed via a code given to gamers who pre-order any one of the special editions. The code will be distributed on a physical treasure map from retailers EB Games, JB Hifi, UPlay and Mighty Ape.

Fans who access The Watch are able to access additional information on the Assassin's Creed universe, as well as bonus content and an exclusive quest.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is being built by eight different Ubisoft studios, and according to a new claim, may have a developer headcount of nearly 1,000. The eight studios working on Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag are the company's outfits in Montreal, Singapore, Sofia, Annecy, Kiev, Quebec, Bucharest, and Montpellier.

For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.