After years of delays and studio shuffles, the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake might finally see the light of day in early 2026. Industry insider Tom Henderson recently dropped a hint suggesting that this highly anticipated remake will launch before the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake, with both games targeting the first quarter of 2026.
The Long Road to Release
The Prince of Persia remake has had a bumpy journey. Originally announced in 2020 with a January 2021 release date, the game has been pushed back multiple times over the past four years. The project started under Ubisoft’s Indian studios in Mumbai and Pune, but after negative reception to the initial trailer, development was handed over to Ubisoft Montreal in 2022.
This wasn’t just a simple studio change. The game reportedly underwent a complete reboot, with Ubisoft Montreal essentially starting fresh. The last official glimpse fans got was at Ubisoft’s June 2024 Forward showcase, and since then, the company has been tight-lipped about progress.
In their latest earnings report for FY2024-25, Ubisoft listed the remake among titles expected to contribute to revenue in the next fiscal year, suggesting a launch by March 2026. Company CFO Frederick Duguet mentioned during an annual general meeting that the remake would be released “very soon,” which has fans cautiously optimistic.
What About Black Flag?
The Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag remake is another project on Ubisoft’s plate, also targeting early 2026. According to multiple reports, Ubisoft Singapore is leading this development, with support from studios in Belgrade and Bordeaux. The remake is expected to feature RPG mechanics similar to recent Assassin’s Creed titles, plus around four hours of extra content that wasn’t in the original 2013 game.
Tom Henderson’s hint suggests that Prince of Persia will squeeze in just before Black Flag, though both games are aiming for roughly the same March 2026 window. Some sources believe Black Flag could slip to later in 2026 if the team needs more time to polish the experience.
Why the Delays Matter
Ubisoft has attributed these delays to quality concerns. After a thorough review of their pipeline from October to December 2024, the company decided to give additional development time to major productions. They pointed to Assassin’s Creed Shadows as proof this strategy works, noting it became one of their most highly rated games in recent years after receiving extra development time.
The Prince of Persia remake has seen significant changes since its original reveal. The 2020 announcement featured voice actor Yuri Lowenthal reprising his role as the Prince and involvement from series creator Jordan Mechner. However, after the project moved to Ubisoft Montreal, it remains unclear whether either is still actively involved.
What Fans Can Expect
While official details remain scarce, the remake promises to modernize the beloved 2003 classic. The original Sands of Time is remembered for its innovative time-manipulation mechanics, acrobatic platforming, and compelling narrative. Fans are hoping the remake will preserve what made the original special while updating visuals and gameplay for modern standards.
The gaming community has mixed feelings about the extended development time. On one hand, delays suggest Ubisoft is committed to delivering a quality product rather than rushing something out the door. On the other hand, five years from announcement to release is a long time to wait, especially when early footage didn’t meet expectations.
The Competition for Early 2026
Early 2026 is shaping up to be a busy period for Ubisoft. Besides these two remakes, the company has other projects in various stages of development. The decision to space out Prince of Persia and Black Flag, even by a few weeks or months, makes sense from a business perspective. It prevents the two games from competing directly for the same audience and gives each title room to breathe in the market.
Henderson’s reputation as a reliable industry insider adds weight to his hint. He has accurately reported on Ubisoft projects in the past, making this latest tease worth paying attention to. However, until Ubisoft makes an official announcement, everything remains in rumor territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Prince of Persia remake be released?
The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake is expected to launch by March 2026, according to Ubisoft’s financial reports and insider hints from Tom Henderson.
Why has the Prince of Persia remake been delayed so many times?
The game was originally announced in 2020 for a January 2021 release but faced negative reception. Development was then transferred from Ubisoft’s Indian studios to Ubisoft Montreal in 2022, where it underwent a complete reboot. Ubisoft cites quality concerns and the need for additional development time as reasons for the delays.
Who is developing the Prince of Persia remake now?
Ubisoft Montreal is currently leading development on the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake after taking over from Ubisoft’s studios in Mumbai and Pune.
Will the Prince of Persia remake come out before Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake?
According to industry insider Tom Henderson, the Prince of Persia remake is expected to release before the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake, though both games are targeting early 2026.
What changes are being made to the Prince of Persia remake?
Specific details about changes remain limited, but the game has been completely reworked since moving to Ubisoft Montreal. The remake aims to modernize the 2003 classic while preserving its core gameplay mechanics and story.
Is the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake confirmed?
While Ubisoft hasn’t officially announced the Black Flag remake, multiple reliable sources and leaks have reported on its existence. The game is reportedly being developed by Ubisoft Singapore and is targeting a March 2026 release.
Will Yuri Lowenthal voice the Prince in the remake?
Yuri Lowenthal was initially involved when the remake was announced in 2020, but after the project moved to Ubisoft Montreal and underwent a complete reboot, it’s unclear whether he’s still part of the project.
Conclusion
The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake has been through development hell, but the finish line is finally in sight. Tom Henderson’s hint that it will release before Black Flag in early 2026 gives fans a clearer timeline to work with. Whether Ubisoft can stick to this schedule after so many delays remains to be seen, but the extra development time should result in a more polished final product. For now, fans of both franchises have plenty to look forward to in the first quarter of 2026.