Ubisoft took a major hit this week, announcing the cancellation of six unreleased titles, including a remake of the beloved "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," and the closure of several studios. The move, revealed in a press release Wednesday, sent shockwaves through the gaming community, reminiscent of when EA shuttered Visceral Games, effectively benching their highly anticipated Star Wars project.
The cancelled games, which also include "Splinter Cell VR" and "Ghost Recon Frontline," represent a significant strategic shift for the company, impacting projected revenue streams and future release schedules. "This decision, while difficult, is a necessary step for Ubisoft to focus its resources on key franchises and long-term growth," said Ubisoft CFO Frederick Duguet in an investor call. Duguet's statement echoes similar sentiments from other gaming giants who have recently tightened their belts amidst fluctuating market conditions.
The "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" remake, initially announced in 2020, had already faced multiple delays and a change of development teams. The project's troubled development mirrors the challenges faced by other ambitious remakes, such as the initial rocky launch of "Final Fantasy VII Remake," highlighting the pressure to both honor the original and innovate for a modern audience. The original "Sands of Time," released in 2003, is considered a classic, boasting a Metacritic score of 92, a benchmark the remake was struggling to reach.
Studio closures, while not explicitly detailed in terms of specific locations, are expected to impact development capacity across several regions. This downsizing is a common tactic in the industry, often following periods of underperformance or strategic realignment, similar to Activision Blizzard's restructuring of its esports division in 2019.
The cancellations and closures are part of Ubisoft's broader plan to cut costs and streamline operations, aiming to navigate a challenging economic landscape. The company is banking on upcoming releases like "Assassin's Creed Mirage" and "Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora" to revitalize its portfolio and regain momentum. "We are confident that these changes will allow us to deliver high-quality games and experiences that resonate with players," Duguet added.
The future of the "Prince of Persia" franchise remains uncertain, leaving fans wondering if the Sands of Time will ever flow again. Ubisoft has not ruled out revisiting the project in the future, but for now, it's game over.
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