Ubisoft's recent announcement regarding the cancellation of the long-awaited Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake has sent ripples through the gaming industry.
Originally slated as a reimagining of the 2003 classic for modern platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and potentially Nintendo Switch, the project was being helmed by Ubisoft Montreal before it faced a series of delays and production setbacks.
The sudden cancellation, confirmed in June 2024, comes as part of a broader company restructuring that saw Ubisoft close several studios worldwide. For fans and industry professionals alike, the news was met with disappointment—and, in some cases, direct personal consequences.
British-Pakistani actress Eman Ayaz recently shared her own experience with the project's cancellation via a heartfelt video, which quickly gained traction after being highlighted by IGN.
Ayaz detailed how she learned of the project's termination indirectly, explaining that she was never officially notified despite her significant involvement.
The cancellation effectively erased a milestone from her resume, diminishing future career opportunities and affecting her chances of applying for a US work visa—an issue faced by many actors and creatives when game projects suddenly vanish. Ayaz elaborated, stating: “Just two months ago, I participated in marketing materials for this project.
Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, and our team was eagerly anticipating the release later this year.
Suddenly discovering the cancellation through informal channels was deeply upsetting and felt like emotional whiplash.” Her comments underscore a recurring problem in the gaming industry, where news of layoffs or game cancellations can sometimes reach affected personnel only after public announcements or via news outlets, rather than through official company channels. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time—a title revered by many Nintendo and multiplatform enthusiasts—has been in developmental flux since the remake was first announced.
Ubisoft initially revealed the project in 2020, envisioning it for new and legacy platforms, including speculation about a possible Nintendo Switch port.
However, repeated delays and two changes in lead development studios spotlighted ongoing challenges within Ubisoft and the broader game development sector. Industry observers have noted that Ubisoft’s decision to cancel the remake, shutter multiple studios, and undertake massive restructuring reflect the rapidly evolving and often volatile nature of the video game industry.
This situation is not unique to Ubisoft; it is representative of broader industry trends affecting both creative professionals and technical teams around the globe. As the dust settles, the legacy of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time endures, but its highly anticipated remake stands as a poignant example of how quickly ambitions can be dashed—even for experienced teams and established franchises.
Ubisoft has indicated a renewed focus on its core franchises and sustainability, though the effects of this pivot will be felt by developers, actors, and gamers alike for some time to come.
Originally slated as a reimagining of the 2003 classic for modern platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and potentially Nintendo Switch, the project was being helmed by Ubisoft Montreal before it faced a series of delays and production setbacks.
The sudden cancellation, confirmed in June 2024, comes as part of a broader company restructuring that saw Ubisoft close several studios worldwide. For fans and industry professionals alike, the news was met with disappointment—and, in some cases, direct personal consequences.
British-Pakistani actress Eman Ayaz recently shared her own experience with the project's cancellation via a heartfelt video, which quickly gained traction after being highlighted by IGN.
Ayaz detailed how she learned of the project's termination indirectly, explaining that she was never officially notified despite her significant involvement.
The cancellation effectively erased a milestone from her resume, diminishing future career opportunities and affecting her chances of applying for a US work visa—an issue faced by many actors and creatives when game projects suddenly vanish. Ayaz elaborated, stating: “Just two months ago, I participated in marketing materials for this project.
Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, and our team was eagerly anticipating the release later this year.
Suddenly discovering the cancellation through informal channels was deeply upsetting and felt like emotional whiplash.” Her comments underscore a recurring problem in the gaming industry, where news of layoffs or game cancellations can sometimes reach affected personnel only after public announcements or via news outlets, rather than through official company channels. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time—a title revered by many Nintendo and multiplatform enthusiasts—has been in developmental flux since the remake was first announced.
Ubisoft initially revealed the project in 2020, envisioning it for new and legacy platforms, including speculation about a possible Nintendo Switch port.
However, repeated delays and two changes in lead development studios spotlighted ongoing challenges within Ubisoft and the broader game development sector. Industry observers have noted that Ubisoft’s decision to cancel the remake, shutter multiple studios, and undertake massive restructuring reflect the rapidly evolving and often volatile nature of the video game industry.
This situation is not unique to Ubisoft; it is representative of broader industry trends affecting both creative professionals and technical teams around the globe. As the dust settles, the legacy of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time endures, but its highly anticipated remake stands as a poignant example of how quickly ambitions can be dashed—even for experienced teams and established franchises.
Ubisoft has indicated a renewed focus on its core franchises and sustainability, though the effects of this pivot will be felt by developers, actors, and gamers alike for some time to come.
