Ubisoft disbands 'Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown' team despite positive reviews

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Image: Ubisoft

 

Ubisoft has confirmed the disbanding of the development team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown following disappointing sales, despite the game receiving praise from both critics and players. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, this 2.5D platformer marked the franchise’s return after more than a decade and was celebrated for its striking visuals, smooth gameplay, and authentic Middle Eastern dialogue.

 

However, positive reviews did not translate into commercial success. Reports indicate that the game sold only 300,000 units in its first two weeks—far below Ubisoft’s expectations. Although The Lost Crown, released in January 2024, initially excited fans eager for a fresh take on the beloved series, its weak sales led Ubisoft to cancel plans for a sequel and additional expansions. Fearing that further releases might impact the original game’s performance, Ubisoft limited post-launch content to three free updates and a DLC released in September.

 

In response to the game’s underperformance, Ubisoft reassigned the development team to other projects within Ubisoft Montpellier, ensuring no layoffs. Senior producer Abdelhak Elguess expressed pride in the team’s work and remained optimistic about the title’s long-term potential. To expand its audience, Ubisoft recently launched the game on Steam and announced plans to release it on Mac by the end of the year.

 

Fans who enjoyed The Lost Crown for its blend of modern mechanics and nostalgic nods to the classic Prince of Persia series were disappointed by the team’s disbanding, with many hoping for a sequel. Nevertheless, Ubisoft reaffirmed its commitment to the franchise. 

 

Elguess hinted that “more Prince of Persia experiences” are on the horizon. Ubisoft confirmed that one of these will be the long-awaited remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. However, the remake—first announced in 2020—has faced multiple delays, with a new tentative release window set for 2026.

 

This decision reflects Ubisoft’s need to balance creative ambition with financial realities in today’s competitive gaming market. Despite the setback with The Lost Crown, the company remains focused on reviving the Prince of Persia brand and delivering new experiences for longtime fans and newcomers.

 

What do you think—can Ubisoft recapture the magic of Prince of Persia, or has the series run its course?

 

• https://www.eurogamer.net/ubisoft-responds-to-report-prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-development-team-disbanded
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j8p8l26pgo
• https://www.ign.com/articles/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-team-disbanded-after-critically-lauded-platformer-fails-to-meet-expectations-report