Microsoft and Ubisoft just launched a new Assassin's Creed Pirates game on the Web based on the open-source 3D engine Babylon.JS. The game is a demo version of their popular $4.99 Android and iOS games, and the Babylon.JS engine -- built on JavaScript and WebGL -- is compatible with all of the popular browsers but is intended to run best on touchscreen devices running Internet Explorer 11.

The game follows the true story of Alonzo Batilla as he sails the Caribbean seas in search of La Buse's treasure. Touch controls are the default, but keyboard controls are an option. The game features Facebook login and a bit of a social angle to go with it, allowing you to invite friends and compete against their high scores.

Additionally, Ubisoft is also hosting a competition [No Longer Available] for anyone who wants to take a crack at creating a custom shader for the pirate ship in the Web version of the game. This can be done using the Babylon.JS editor, and the grand prize winner receives a copy of the Assassin's Creed Collector's Black Chest Edition game, as well as an Xbox One.

If you're above 16 and in the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, or Australia, be sure to check out the full contest rules [No Longer Available]. Everyone else can just sit back and enjoy the free Web game.

What do you think of this new Web version of Assassin's Creed Pirates? Will you be entering the contest? Let us know in the comments!

Source: The Next Web, Polygon | Image Credit: Flickr/Niranjan