To action-adventure aficionados, the creation of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake has been dubious since its initial announcement in 2020. After the waiting game phase when it fell behind schedule and underwent a full change of leadership to Ubisoft Montreal, recent comments from Ubisoft bring some encouraging ripples regarding the fate of the project, forecasting calmer seas ahead.
The re-make, as a new version of the original 2003 hit tale, was initially revealed in a solid 2021 release plan. However, with the convoluted nature of re-making so influential a game came a long and drawn-out development cycle. That the project would be moved to Ubisoft Montreal, a deeply committed entity already, into the franchise itself, was keenly felt as a decision made with the intent of steadying its course. This business turnaround would appear to be successful in establishing credibility in the final release of the game.
One of the major milestones is when, during Ubisoft’s June 2024 Forward presentation, a brief 30-second CGI teaser gave us our first look at the reimagined vision, but significantly, foretold a 2026 window of release. While the teaser itself was not revealing too much as far as gameplay or more in-depth information, it was nonetheless a necessary confirmation that yes the project is indeed progressing towards completion. That was also subsequently followed up by a recent official statement on the Prince of Persia social media platforms again confirming positive development progress.
This commitment, though vague, is particularly important for what it does indicate regarding the development within. In an industry where development problems sometimes produce endless hold-up or outright cancellation, the frequent, if unenlightening, production updates from Ubisoft suggest that there is a groomed and safe production culture. That’s a lot more different than the prolonged state of indecision which has hung over other big-budget releases, suggesting The Sands of Time Remake is far enough along in meeting its slated release. Fans can now hopefully look forward to Prince’s return with renewed optimism as the original journey keeps trudging steadily but steadily towards its new rebirth.
