E3 2021 is right around the corner, and with almost two years since the last major conference in E3 2019, fans are clamoring for a plethora of new announcements and showcases. Ubisoft has confirmed its Foward event for June 12, with several confirmed reveals for games like Far Cry 6, and fans speculating that long-forgotten franchises like Splinter Cell are making a return.
To many a fan's disappointment, Ubisoft has confirmed that the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake wouldn't be making an appearance at Ubisoft Forward next week. It's ultimately best to keep the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake in the oven until it's properly cooked, but such a long silence definitely has some implications for the game's release.
Building Up Expectations for Prince of Persia
Fans have been clamoring for the fan-favorite Prince to make a return for a long time, and the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake announcement certainly got everyone excited during its last year's reveal. However, the game's visuals weren't up to the mark for a modern remake, and coupling that with issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the team has now delayed the game twice.
Many were hoping to see a revised look and a new release date for the game this E3, but it's confirmed to not make an appearance. Another delay has now raised fan expectations for the game to a higher degree, and Ubisoft has accumulated additional pressure to deliver on that front.
Not to suggest that fans shouldn't expect improvements, but a possible Nintendo Switch release of the game does prohibit the developer's ambition to a certain degree. It would certainly be great to see the remake standing tall with next-gen games, but keeping expectations in check seems to be important.
Making The Best Out Of Prince of Persia's Delay
While another delay for a comparatively smaller remake title is certainly shocking, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Covid-19 has caused a bunch of delays for game development, but Ubisoft Pune might have received the heaviest blow owing to its location in India. However, a new release window of next year should be relieving and give time to the developers to polish the game to an immaculate degree, which could potentially dictate a future for the franchise as well.
Prince of Persia used to be one of the biggest games once, but now remains dormant due to Ubisoft's focus open-world games almost exclusively, compared to linear adventure games. While there's nothing wrong with blockbuster open world games, linear action-adventure experiences have become more or less extinct, leaving comparatively smaller studios like Ninja Theory and Asobo Studios to fill the void with titles like Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and A Plague Tale: Innocence with a middle-market budget.
An extra year in development should give Ubisoft Pune the opportunity to fully realize its vision, possibly even expanding the scope of the remake. It wouldn't exactly be a surprise if higher executives at Ubisoft give this relatively small studio a green light to continue with the franchise after the remake, should it garner critical and commercial acclaim. Either way, it's always best to delay a game rather than release it in an unfinished state.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is in development now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.