Ubisoft has announced that the development of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, which was originally led by its studios in India, will now be handled by Ubisoft Montreal, the studio that created the original Sands of Time trilogy. The decision was made to “deliver the best experience for this remake of an all-time classic, when it’s ready”, according to a statement posted on Twitter.
The Sands of Time remake was first revealed in September 2020, with a planned release date of January 2021. However, the game received a mixed response from fans and critics, who criticized its graphics, animations, and voice acting. Ubisoft then delayed the game to March 18, 2021, citing the need for more time to polish the game and meet the expectations of the fans.
In February 2021, Ubisoft announced another delay, this time indefinitely, without giving any specific reason. The game was also absent from Ubisoft’s E3 2021 showcase, raising doubts about its status and future. Now, Ubisoft has confirmed that the game is still in development, but has undergone a major change in its leadership and direction.
Ubisoft Montreal takes the helm
Ubisoft Montreal is the studio that developed the original Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in 2003, as well as its sequels, Warrior Within and The Two Thrones. The studio is also known for creating popular franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs.
Ubisoft said that the Montreal team will build upon the work done by Ubisoft Pune and Ubisoft Mumbai, the two studios in India that were previously in charge of the remake. Ubisoft praised the work of the Indian studios, saying that they were proud of their achievements and that they would benefit from their learnings.
Ubisoft did not reveal the exact reason for the change of studios, but it is likely that the negative feedback and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the decision. Ubisoft also did not announce a new release date for the game, saying that it will update the fans on the progress in a future update.
What to expect from the remake
The Sands of Time remake is supposed to be a faithful recreation of the original game, with improved graphics, gameplay, and sound. The game will feature the same story, characters, and locations as the original, but with new animations, voice acting, and music. The game will also include some new features, such as a camera system that allows the player to adjust the view, and a rewind system that lets the player undo their mistakes.
The game will run on the AnvilNext engine, the same engine that powers the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry games. The game will also support 4K resolution and HDR on compatible devices. The game will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and will be playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S via backward compatibility.
The Sands of Time remake is a tribute to one of the most beloved and influential games of all time, and a chance for a new generation of players to experience its magic. The game is also a testament to the collaboration and diversity of Ubisoft’s global teams, and a reflection of the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. Fans of the Prince of Persia series can only hope that the game will live up to its legacy and deliver a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
