Ubisoft announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time on Wednesday, along with five other games, as part of a significant company restructuring. This decision follows a series of delays and development challenges that have plagued the game since its initial announcement in 2020.
The remake was originally set for release on January 21, 2021, but multiple postponements led to a transfer of development from Ubisoft’s studios in Mumbai and Pune to its Montreal studio in 2022. By early 2024, the company projected a release in 2026. Now, after six years of development, Ubisoft has confirmed it will not move forward with the project.
In an official statement shared on the Prince of Persia social media account, Ubisoft expressed regret over the decision, stating, “While the project had real potential, we weren’t able to reach the level of quality you deserve, and continuing would have required more time and investment than we could responsibly commit.” The company reassured fans that the franchise remains important, asserting, “This decision does not mean we’re stepping away from the franchise.”
The announcement has sparked disappointment among fans, many of whom expressed their frustration on social media platforms. Anticipation for the remake had been building for nearly half a decade, amplifying the sentiment of letdown.
Restructuring and Focus on Core Offerings
The cancellation of Sands of Time is part of a broader restructuring strategy at Ubisoft. The company is revising its three-year roadmap to prioritize open-world and live service games. Additionally, it will make “accelerated investments behind player-facing Generative AI,” a move that signals a shift in its development focus.
Central to the restructuring is the introduction of five specialized units called “Creative Houses”. Each will concentrate on a particular game genre, overseeing the production and publication of titles independently. This new operational model aims to foster a decentralized creative organization, with faster decision-making processes.
Ubisoft founder and CEO Yves Guillemot stated, “Each Creative House is built around a clear genre and brand focus, with full responsibility and financial ownership, led by dedicated leadership teams.” The five Creative Houses will focus on various franchises and genres, including:
– CH1: Major franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry
– CH2: Competitive and cooperative shooters, including The Division and Ghost Recon
– CH3: Live games such as For Honor and Skull & Bones
– CH4: Narrative-driven and fantasy titles, including Rayman and Beyond Good & Evil
– CH5: Casual games like Just Dance and Uno
While the restructuring aims to streamline operations, the cancellation of Sands of Time and five other titles reflects a strategic decision to realign Ubisoft’s portfolio. According to the company, the cancelled games did not meet new quality standards or portfolio prioritization criteria.
Impact on Workforce and Future Prospects
Guillemot noted that the restructuring will significantly affect Ubisoft’s finances over the coming two years, but he remains optimistic about the company’s future. “I expect it to come out the other side stronger,” he stated. Unfortunately, this optimism comes amidst ongoing layoffs, which have reduced Ubisoft’s workforce from nearly 21,000 in 2022 to 17,097 by November of that year.
Further layoffs are anticipated as Ubisoft continues its cost-cutting measures. Recent closures included studios in Halifax and Stockholm, with an additional 29 workers laid off following restructuring in its Abu Dhabi studio. The company has confirmed plans to cut 55 jobs from its Massive and Stockholm studios, underscoring the challenging environment within the organization.
As Ubisoft navigates this transformative phase, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future of its beloved franchises and the gaming landscape at large.
