“Fans Disappointed by Sands of Time Remake Delays”
Fans of the Prince of Persia franchise are grappling with disappointment following the cancellation of the highly anticipated Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake. Ubisoft’s recent corporate restructuring has led to significant changes, including this notable cancellation, which has left many fans stunned.
Cancellation Announcement
Ubisoft officials announced that the Sands of Time Remake would not proceed, citing that it failed to meet the company’s new enhanced quality standards. A statement from the game’s official social media channel emphasized the team’s commitment to delivering a product that meets player expectations.
Reasons for Cancellation
- The project required more time and investment than Ubisoft could allocate responsibly.
- Concerns about the overall quality led to the decision to halt development.
- Ubisoft assured fans that this does not signify a retreat from the Prince of Persia franchise.
Background of Development
The remake was officially announced in September 2020, with an initial release window set for early 2021. However, a series of delays ensued:
- Initial delays pushed the release to March 2021.
- The game was then delayed indefinitely.
- In May 2022, development was shifted from Ubisoft Mumbai and Pune to Ubisoft Montreal.
- By May 2023, the game entered a reboot phase, returning to concept development.
Fan Reactions
Following the cancellation, fans expressed their frustration, especially after seeing leaked images and videos of an early pre-alpha version of the game. These visuals appeared online via platforms like Reddit and YouTube, depicting the game in a promising state.
Leak and Social Media Impact
One notable fan account, Prince of Persia Universe, shared compelling visuals that many described as breathtaking. Fans lamented the loss of a project that, even in its early stages, showed great potential.
Ubisoft’s Corporate Climate
The company’s restructuring also came amidst broader organizational issues, leading to layoffs and criticism from unions representing Ubisoft employees. Concerns have been raised regarding the executive team’s effectiveness, especially as the company has seen a decline in its market value over the past eight years.
As the gaming community continues to process the cancellation of the Sands of Time Remake, Ubisoft’s future decisions regarding the franchise will be closely scrutinized.