Ubisoft’s Major Decision
Ubisoft has officially canceled the highly anticipated Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake, a decision that has left fans reeling. After over five years of development, the company stated that completing the project would require more time and investment than they could responsibly commit. This announcement comes nearly six years after the remake was first revealed and just five years after its original launch date of January 21, 2021.
The cancellation is part of a broader restructuring effort within Ubisoft, which has also seen the scrapping of five other games. The decision to halt the remake has raised questions about the future of the franchise and the reasons behind its troubled development.
A Troubled Development Journey
The remake’s development has been fraught with challenges. Initially, it was handled by Ubisoft’s studios in Mumbai and Pune before being transferred to Ubisoft Montreal in 2022. Despite the change in oversight, the project struggled to gain momentum. Fans have been left wondering what went wrong during this lengthy process and why the game has been abandoned now, after so much time and effort.
Ubisoft’s statement, shared via the official Prince of Persia social media account, provided little clarity. The team expressed their disappointment and acknowledged the significance of the game to both fans and developers. They emphasized that while the project had potential, it ultimately failed to meet the high standards expected by the community.
Future of the Franchise
The future of the Prince of Persia franchise now hangs in the balance. The lackluster sales of 2024’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown led to the cancellation of a planned sequel and a reorganization of staff within the company. The most recent title, The Rogue Prince of Persia, was developed externally by Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells.
Despite the uncertainty, Ubisoft has indicated that the Prince of Persia franchise remains a priority. The company recently included it in their new fourth “Creative House” division, suggesting that they are not abandoning the series entirely. However, for fans who have been eagerly awaiting the Sands of Time Remake, this news may offer little solace.
Community Reactions
The gaming community’s response to the cancellation has been overwhelmingly negative. Many fans expressed their sadness and frustration on social media. Comments ranged from disbelief to resignation, with some fans feeling that the cancellation was inevitable. One user lamented, “Pretty sad we’ll never get this,” while another remarked, “Saw this coming a mile away unfortunately.”
The hope for a reversal of this decision remains, with some fans humorously suggesting that Ubisoft should “reverse time” and complete the game. However, with the company’s recent restructuring and the cancellation of multiple projects, it seems unlikely that the Sands of Time Remake will see the light of day.
Conclusion
Ubisoft’s decision to cancel the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake marks a significant moment in gaming history. This project was not just a remake; it was a chance to revive a beloved franchise that has shaped the gaming landscape. As the company navigates its restructuring, the future of Prince of Persia remains uncertain. Fans can only hope that Ubisoft will find a way to honor the legacy of this iconic series in the years to come.
