Key Facts
- ✓ Ubisoft has officially canceled the development of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, ending a project that had been in the works for years.
- ✓ The company is implementing a major corporate reorganization that will take effect in April, fundamentally changing its operational structure.
- ✓ The new operating model will be built around five distinct Creative Houses, each with a specific focus, supported by a centralized Creative Network.
- ✓ Ubisoft is strategically pivoting its portfolio to concentrate on developing big open-world games and live service titles moving forward.
- ✓ The restructuring includes the creation of shared Core Services and a reshaped Headquarters to support the new Creative House model.
- ✓ This reorganization affects the brands under each Creative House, including the studio dedicated to the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Quick Summary
Ubisoft has announced a sweeping corporate reorganization that includes the cancellation of the long-anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The decision marks a significant pivot in the company's strategic direction.
The restructuring, which takes effect in April, signals a fundamental shift in how the gaming giant will manage its portfolio. The company is moving away from certain legacy projects to concentrate on genres with higher growth potential.
A Strategic Pivot
The cancellation of the Prince of Persia remake is the most visible casualty of a broader strategic realignment. The project had faced a troubled development history, and its termination now frees up resources for other initiatives.
Alongside the cancellation, Ubisoft is implementing a new operating model designed to streamline development and foster creativity. This new framework is built around a core structural change that will define the company's future output.
The reorganization is centered on a new operational structure:
- Five distinct Creative Houses will lead development
- A centralized Creative Network will provide shared resources
- Core Services will be consolidated for efficiency
- A reshaped Headquarters will oversee operations
"The new structure will "be structured around five Creative Houses," supported by a "Creative Network providing development resources, shared Core Services and a reshaped HQ.""
— Ubisoft Announcement
New Creative Structure
Effective in April, Ubisoft's new model will be structured around five Creative Houses. Each house will likely oversee specific brands or genres, creating focused teams with clear creative mandates. This approach aims to reduce internal competition and improve project clarity.
These Creative Houses will be supported by a Creative Network. This network is designed to provide development resources, shared Core Services, and support to the individual houses, ensuring that teams have access to the tools and expertise they need without redundant overhead.
The new structure will "be structured around five Creative Houses," supported by a "Creative Network providing development resources, shared Core Services and a reshaped HQ."
This centralized support system is intended to eliminate silos and allow the Creative Houses to focus purely on game development, leveraging shared technology and talent pools across the organization.
Focus on Live Services
The reorganization is accompanied by a clear shift in portfolio strategy. Ubisoft is explicitly refocusing its efforts on big open worlds and live service games. This aligns with industry trends favoring long-term player engagement and recurring revenue models.
By prioritizing these genres, Ubisoft is leveraging its strengths in large-scale world-building and online infrastructure. The company's existing franchises, such as Assassin's Creed, already fit this mold, and the new structure may further cement this direction.
The brands under each Creative House will include dedicated studios, such as the one announced last year for Assassin's Creed. This suggests that major franchises will remain central to Ubisoft's future, even as it moves away from standalone remakes of older titles.
Industry Implications
The cancellation of a high-profile remake like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time sends a strong signal to the market. It demonstrates a willingness to make difficult decisions to protect the company's long-term financial health and strategic focus.
For the gaming industry, this move highlights the increasing pressure on publishers to optimize their portfolios. Projects that do not align with core strategic goals—such as live service or massive open-world experiences—are becoming harder to justify in a competitive landscape.
The restructuring also reflects a broader trend of consolidation and specialization within major game development studios, as they seek to manage rising costs and player expectations.
Looking Ahead
As the April implementation date approaches, all eyes will be on how the new Creative Houses and Creative Network begin to operate. The success of this reorganization will be measured by the quality and consistency of future game releases.
The cancellation of the Prince of Persia remake closes a chapter for fans of the classic series, but it opens a new one for Ubisoft. The company is betting its future on large-scale, service-based experiences that can sustain player communities for years to come.
Ultimately, this strategic pivot aims to ensure Ubisoft's relevance and profitability in an evolving gaming landscape, prioritizing sustainable growth over nostalgic projects.
