The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake is officially dead. Ubisoft confirmed the cancellation yesterday as part of a massive company reset that axed six projects total, closed two studios, and delayed seven more titles. Industry insider Tom Henderson’s recent intel about development struggles proved accurate once again.
First announced in 2020 with a January 2021 launch, the remake endured multiple delays, studio transfers from India to Montreal, and a complete visual reboot after fan backlash to early trailers. Despite a 2024 re-reveal targeting 2026, the project never recovered momentum amid Ubisoft’s broader financial struggles.
Tom Henderson Called It
Just days before the official announcement, Henderson warned followers that the Sands of Time remake faced serious internal challenges. His sources indicated the game required substantial additional work despite years in development, aligning perfectly with Ubisoft’s stated reason for cancellation: failure to meet enhanced quality standards.
Henderson’s track record remains impeccable, having accurately predicted the project’s rocky path since 2023. Fans hoping for a shadow drop or last-minute salvage now face the reality that five years of development produced no releasable product.
The Bigger Ubisoft Picture
The Sands of Time cancellation represents just one piece of Ubisoft’s seismic restructuring:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Canceled Games | 6 total (PoP remake + 4 unannounced IPs + 1 mobile) |
| Delayed Games | 7 titles including rumored AC Black Flag remake |
| Studios Closed | 2 studios shuttered completely |
| Layoffs | Company-wide staff reductions |
| New Structure | 5 ‘Creative Houses’ replacing traditional studios |
CEO Yves Guillemot cited rising AAA costs, selective portfolio prioritization, and a shift toward live-service and open-world games as driving factors. The restructuring aims for faster decision-making through decentralized ‘Creative Houses’ rather than massive centralized teams.
6 Years, No Dagger
The original 2003 Sands of Time revolutionized action-adventure gaming with its time-rewind mechanic, wall-running parkour, and cinematic storytelling. Fans expected the remake to modernize these systems while preserving the tight level design that made the trilogy legendary.
Instead, development drama dominated headlines:
- 2020 reveal trailer mocked for dated visuals
- 2021 delay from fan backlash
- 2022 studio transfer from Pune/Mumbai to Montreal
- 2024 reboot reveal with new art direction
- 2025-2026 radio silence amid rumors
Ubisoft’s official Prince of Persia account posted a bittersweet statement: “Prince of Persia as a universe and legacy continues to matter deeply to us, and this decision does not mean we’re stepping away from the franchise.” Recent spin-offs like The Lost Crown (2024) and The Rogue Prince of Persia (early access) suggest the series pivots toward 2D/metroidvania territory rather than 3D remakes.
What Survived the Purge
Notably absent from cancellation lists:
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Still launching despite delays
- Beyond Good & Evil 2 – Continues at Montpellier
- Ghost of Tsushima sequel – Expected 2027 window intact
- Star Wars Outlaws sequel – Live-service focus prioritized
The purge targeted riskier projects while protecting established franchises and newer live-service bets. Prince of Persia appears deprioritized as a 3D franchise, with resources redirected toward ongoing 2D revival efforts.
Lessons From Development Hell
The Sands of Time saga offers stark lessons for AAA publishing:
- Scope creep kills remakes – preserve core identity
- Studio transfers lose institutional knowledge
- Radio silence breeds speculation and doubt
- Trailer reveals need playable tech, not concepts
- Financial pressure forces quality compromises
Over $100M reportedly invested across iterations, per industry estimates. Fans who pre-ordered in 2020 received automatic refunds years ago, sparing further disappointment.
FAQs
Is Prince of Persia Sands of Time remake really canceled?
Yes. Ubisoft officially confirmed cancellation on January 21, 2026 as part of company-wide restructuring affecting six projects total.
Why was the remake canceled?
Ubisoft stated it failed to meet enhanced quality standards despite years of development. Internal dissatisfaction reportedly grew since the 2024 reboot.
Who predicted the cancellation?
Tom Henderson warned of development struggles days before official announcement, maintaining his reputation for accurate Ubisoft intel.
Will Prince of Persia continue?
Yes. Recent 2D spin-offs The Lost Crown and The Rogue Prince of Persia suggest franchise focus shifting from 3D remakes.
How long was it in development?
Announced 2020 (6 years). Survived multiple delays, studio changes, and complete visual reboots before cancellation.
Did pre-order buyers get refunds?
Yes. Ubisoft issued automatic refunds years ago after initial 2021 delay. No further purchases possible.
What other games were canceled?
Five unannounced titles (3 new IPs, 1 mobile game) plus Sands of Time remake. Seven additional projects face internal delays.
What’s next for Ubisoft?
Five new ‘Creative Houses,’ live-service focus, and selective AAA portfolio. Assassin’s Creed Shadows remains flagship priority.
The End of an Era
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake joins Duke Nukem Forever and Prey 2 in gaming’s hall of canceled legends. Its demise closes a painful chapter defined more by delays than daggers. Yet the franchise endures through nimbler 2D revival efforts that better suit modern development realities.
For original trilogy fans, closure proves bittersweet. The perfect remake remains elusive, but recent spin-offs honor the series’ acrobatic spirit without chasing unattainable technical perfection. Ubisoft’s reset prioritizes survival over nostalgia – sometimes the wisest rewind of all.