Ubisoft’s recent revelation of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake at the Ubisoft Forward event brought joy to fans, along with a solid commitment to a release window: 2026.
In a subsequent interview on the official blog, the Creative Director and Game Director elucidated on the extensive timeline for this highly anticipated project, attributing it in part to the raised standards set by other notable game remakes, notably Final Fantasy VII.
Jade Bio Adam Granger: In the realm of remakes, there has been a notable evolution since the inception of the Sands of Time remake. Major players have significantly heightened the expectations. We have made substantial alterations to the 3Cs (Character, Camera, Controls) and have undertaken prototyping to ensure seamless integration of new controls with the classic gameplay, occasionally necessitating adjustments.
Michael McIntyre: The aspect of combat serves as a prime illustration. The original combat mechanics, by contemporary standards, could feel somewhat antiquated. Combat systems in games like Prince of Persia have greatly advanced over the 21 years since its release, with recent titles such as Dark Souls and God of War further enhancing players’ combat prowess. Modernization was imperative in this domain.
The developers emphasized that a pivotal enhancement in the remake’s narrative is the increased presence and engagement of Farah alongside the Prince in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
Michael McIntyre: Arguably the most significant update we’ve implemented is to amplify Farah’s role. We have introduced more interactions between her and the Prince, deepening their relationship. They will share more moments together.
Jade Adam Granger Bio: A key focus for me has been the transformation of Farah. While she was a compelling character in the original rendition, I felt she was lacking agency and depth as an individual. Hence, we have redefined her as a genuine companion; embodying purpose, allyship, and a multifaceted persona with a background, aspirations, needs, desires, and preferences. Our aim is to reshape her into an exceptional character, even though she remains non-playable.
Ubisoft Montréal is receiving bolstering support from the Toronto studio, in conjunction with other satellite studios like Bucharest, Paris, and Pune. While anticipating this remake, Prince of Persia enthusiasts can explore the ongoing progress of the recently launched roguelike offshoot available in early access.
