The beloved Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake is finally seeing a major breakthrough after long years of uncertainty and development hell. This highly anticipated title, which once stood on shaky ground, has now entered deep development, promising fans a rebirth of one of the most iconic action-adventure games of the 2000s. So what changed? After multiple delays, leadership changes, and fan disappointment, Ubisoft has officially recommitted to making the remake the revival fans have long waited for.
This article dives deep into why this remake faced so many problems, what’s different now, and how things are shaping up moving forward. If you’re a long-time fan or just curious about what happened to this iconic title, keep reading!
The Rocky Road: What Went Wrong with the Remake Development?
Originally announced in 2020, the Sands of Time Remake generated excitement but instantly raised eyebrows due to underwhelming visuals and production quality. The trailer released by Ubisoft even drew significant backlash from the community, causing the company to reconsider the entire direction of the project.
Development was initially led by Ubisoft Pune and Mumbai, marking a milestone for Indian game studios. However, these studios faced several challenges, including limited experience with major AAA remakes, technical limitations, and issues aligning with fan expectations. By 2022, Ubisoft publicly admitted the game needed “more time.”
According to GameIndustry.biz, Ubisoft Montreal—creators of the original trilogy—took over development in 2022. This shift marked a turning point, and although the game disappeared from the spotlight for a while, it was a clear signal that Ubisoft was still committed to delivering quality.
Many fans feared the remake had been quietly canceled. However, recent updates in 2025 revealed that the game has officially entered deep development. With a more experienced studio now leading the charge, optimism is back, and expectations are climbing. Ubisoft is doing all it can to ensure the final product honors the classic while enhancing it for modern audiences.
Why Ubisoft Montreal’s Involvement is a Game Changer
When Ubisoft Montreal took over the remake, it was more than a reshuffling—it was a salvation move. Montreal has not only created some of the best Assassin’s Creed titles but is also the mastermind behind the original Prince of Persia trilogy.
Bringing decades of storytelling, level design, and visual experience to the table, Montreal’s involvement adds new hope. Developers confirmed they are rebuilding the game from the ground up using modern engines, incorporating feedback from fans, and aiming to strike a balance between nostalgia and next-gen innovation.
According to a behind-the-scenes interview published in GameInformer, the team felt a “personal responsibility” to do justice to the iconic series. They brought back veterans from the original dev team, including some narrative designers and animation leads, to make sure the soul of the game remains intact while delivering cutting-edge gameplay.
With resources, experience, and passion on their side, Ubisoft Montreal now positions the remake as not just an updated version, but a full-fledged revival worthy of 2025’s expectations.
What to Expect Now: Features, Visuals, and Gameplay Enhancements
As we move deeper into 2025, a clearer picture of what to expect from the remake is emerging, even with Ubisoft being tight-lipped about a specific launch date. Developers have revealed early gameplay details and new features promising a drastic improvement from the botched first reveal.
Here’s what’s in store:
- Reimagined combat system inspired by modern action titles like Ghost of Tsushima
- Revamped parkour mechanics for more fluidity and momentum
- A visually stunning engine overhaul using the latest Snowdrop engine
- Fully voiced cinematic cutscenes with high-quality motion capture
- Enhanced environmental puzzles and time manipulation gimmicks recreated from scratch
Ubisoft is also integrating accessibility features, including customizable difficulty levels, subtitle options, and visual cues—making it easier for a wider audience to enjoy the adventure. Additionally, the game will support multiple platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with possible cloud gaming support on Ubisoft+.
Check out the comparison table below showcasing what’s being upgraded:
| Feature | Original Game | Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Engine | Jade Engine (2003) | Snowdrop Engine (2025) |
| Voice Acting | Basic cinematic voiceover | Full motion-capture with modern fidelity |
| Combat | Simple parry and combo strikes | Dynamic chaining, finisher animations, and AI improvements |
| Platform Availability | PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Ubisoft+ |
It’s clear this remake is becoming a full reimagining—not just a reskin of a classic. And that’s exactly what today’s players want.
The Fan Response: From Outrage to Optimism
If we flashback to the initial 2020 announcement trailer, it’s easy to remember the tsunami of criticism flooding forums and comment sections. Fans called the game “unfinished,” “cheap,” and “not worth $60.” But recent updates have flipped the narrative.
According to a Reddit poll in r/Games with over 15,000 votes just weeks after the May 2025 announcement, 78% of respondents said they’re now “excited” or “cautiously optimistic” about the remake’s potential.
Ubisoft also took an unusual but powerful step: sharing internal concept art and documenting the process through developer diaries on YouTube, directly engaging with the community. This transparency helped rebuild trust and set realistic expectations.
Now, many fans are sharing nostalgic tributes, replaying the original trilogy, and making memes tagging Ubisoft to “get it right this time.” With the gaming community rallying behind the project rather than criticizing it, the energy around the remake has shifted from toxicity to anticipation.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About the Sands of Time Remake
Q1: When will the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake be released?
A1: Ubisoft hasn’t officially announced a release date yet but has confirmed that the game is in deep development as of 2025. A 2026 release is highly speculated.
Q2: Is the remake coming to last-gen consoles like PS4 or Xbox One?
A2: Currently, Ubisoft has stated a focus on next-gen platforms—PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. There are no confirmed plans for last-gen support.
Q3: Will the original voice actor return?
A3: The team is reportedly working with new voice talent to match modern quality standards while preserving the tone of the original characters.
Q4: Can I pre-order the game right now?
A4: No. Pre-orders are not yet available. Ubisoft will likely open them closer to the game’s finalized development stage.
Q5: Will it be a faithful remake or a reimagined version?
A5: According to Ubisoft Montreal, the remake is being rebuilt from the ground up. Expect a faithful narrative with major gameplay enhancements.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for a Timeless Legacy
The Prince is back, and this time, he’s getting the comeback he deserves. After years of developmental delays, criticism, and shifting studios, the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake is finally crossing the threshold into deep, dedicated production. Ubisoft Montreal, with its veteran team and powerful tools, is again proving why the legacy of Prince of Persia still resonates today.
This legendary title is more than just a game—it’s a piece of gaming history for Millennials, Gen Z, and gamers worldwide. With modern mechanics, upgraded visuals, and thoughtful fan interaction, this remake seems poised to redefine what a modern classic should be. Fans have waited long enough, but patience, it seems, is finally paying off.
So what should you do now? If you’re a fan of thrilling parkour, time-manipulating combat, and epic storytelling, keep your eyes glued to official Ubisoft updates, wishlist the game once available, or even replay the original to refresh your memory of the Prince’s journey. It’s the perfect time for both new and returning fans to experience the magic—reborn and reimagined.
Sometimes, all it takes is time—pun intended—for great stories to rise again. How ready are you to turn back the sands and relive one of gaming’s most enchanting adventures?
Sources:
GameInformer
GamesIndustry.biz
Reddit r/Games
Ubisoft Official Website
