Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake was nearing completion before being canceled due to internal shifts and concerns about layoffs. According to a developer known as SocramVelmar on Reddit, the project faced a halt as Ubisoft underwent a major organizational reset.
Development Challenges and Changes
The cancellation was influenced by Ubisoft's strategic move towards larger open-world games, conflicting with the original game's design focused on pacing and flow. The remake planned to introduce a new time mechanic, allowing players to interact with past actions, offering depth beyond simple time rewinding.
Despite being close to release, SocramVelmar indicated that 'close' did not mean 'ready,' as leadership decisions sometimes prioritize potential quality over immediate release.
Financial and Organizational Impacts
The decision to cancel the remake appears to be driven by financial considerations and concerns over Ubisoft's reputation. Leadership opted to avoid releasing a product that might not meet their standards, amid expectations for ongoing support post-launch.
The developer further expressed doubt over any leaks of the project’s source code, maintaining the integrity of the work completed.
