Ubisoft has officially axed the highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, along with five other unannounced projects. The cancellations are part of a major internal overhaul aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on core franchises. The decision comes after years of delays for the remake – originally revealed in 2020 – and has sparked backlash from fans, with an industry insider claiming the cancellation stems from botched development primarily handled by Ubisoft’s India studio.
In a statement, Ubisoft explained the cancellations as a strategic realignment after a comprehensive review of its goals, costs, and long-term vision. The company will consolidate game development into five specialised “Creative Houses,” supported by a central Creative Network for shared resources and coordination. This new structure, which goes effective from April 2026, prioritises established franchises across categories like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and story-driven titles, including Prince of Persia.
Ubisoft cancels Prince of Persia remake by Indian studio
The six halted projects include the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake and four unannounced AAA titles intended as new franchises, plus one mobile game. Seven other projects have been delayed. Ubisoft highlighted that the changes will enhance decision-making clarity and align teams with specific game types, such as ongoing live-service titles (e.g., For Honor, Skull and Bones) and broad-audience games (e.g., Just Dance).
The Prince of Persia brand will live on under the story-based titles unit, which also handles Anno, Rayman, and Beyond Good & Evil.
Additionally, Ubisoft introduced a stricter workplace policy, mandating most staff to work from office locations, with limited remote days annually.
Prince of Persia made an ‘unfixable mess’ by Ubisoft India
While Ubisoft cites strategic priorities, game industry veteran Mark Kern, a former producer on titles like Diablo II and World of Warcraft team lead, shared explosive insider details on X (formerly Twitter). Citing Ubisoft sources, Kern alleged the remake was “90% developed by Ubisoft India,” describing the project as a “disaster.” He claimed it was transferred at the last minute to Ubisoft Montreal in a desperate bid to salvage it, but the game proved “unfixable,” leading to cancellation.
Kern’s claims align with the remake’s troubled history – announced for a 2021 release, it faced multiple delays amid fan criticism of early trailers showing stiff animations and outdated graphics.
Neither Ubisoft nor its India studio has responded to the allegations yet. The cancellation, however, dampens hopes for a modern take on the 2003 classic, which revolutionised action-adventure gaming with time-manipulation mechanics.
