Ubisoft Disbands Dev Team for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Amid Sales Challenges

Ubisoft Disbands Development Team

Ubisoft has disbanded the team responsible for the recently-released platformer Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, according to a credible French journalist. The game’s performance did not meet sales expectations, leading Ubisoft to reassign team members to projects with better potential for success.

Sales Figures and Industry Impact

'Most of the team members who worked on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have shifted to other projects,' said Abdelhak Elguess, a senior producer on the game. In its initial weeks, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown sold around 300,000 copies, generating approximately $15 million in revenue. These numbers allegedly sealed the fate of the game and its dev team.

Community Response and Future Prospects

Despite calls from Ubisoft staff for sequels or additional content, executives declined, fearing potential sales cannibalization. The decision evokes disappointment, especially since initial reviews praised the game for its engaging gameplay and retro style, akin to classics in the genre.

A Departure from Tradition

This situation highlights a broader concern within the community regarding Ubisoft's strategy. While the company has often relied on established franchises, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was celebrated for its originality, making its downfall particularly disheartening.

Summary of Dev Experience

Interestingly, the development team noted that their experience was among the best of their careers, providing hope to those exhausted by endless cycles in projects like Beyond Good and Evil 2.

Market Confusion

Several factors contributed to the game's underperformance. The playful design as a 2D sidescroller at the premium price of $60 may have deterred buyers. Additionally, the simultaneous release of another spin, The Rogue Prince of Persia, likely confused consumers.