In a period of significant upheaval for gaming giant Ubisoft, marked by extensive layoffs, the shuttering of studios, and the discontinuation of numerous projects, one particularly long-awaited title, 'Beyond Good & Evil 2', has remarkably emerged unscathed. This unexpected survival was confirmed by the game's creative director, Fawzi Mesmar, who, while saddened by the industry's challenges, affirmed the project's continued development.
Ubisoft's Restructuring: 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' Persists Through the Storm
This past Wednesday, the world of video game development was rocked by news of a significant internal restructuring at Ubisoft. This reorganisation translated into a wave of job losses, several studio closures, and the shelving of at least six ongoing game projects, notably including the 'Prince of Persia: Sands of Time' remake. This tumultuous period also saw a sharp decline in the company's stock value and a call for international staff strikes, reflecting widespread discontent within the French multinational corporation.
Amidst this backdrop of widespread cancellations, many speculated about the fate of 'Beyond Good & Evil 2', a title notorious for its protracted development spanning nearly two decades. However, contrary to expectations, Fawzi Mesmar, the creative director, took to LinkedIn to assure fans and industry observers that his team and the project remain untouched by the recent changes. Mesmar urged the community to support affected colleagues, emphasizing his team's unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional gaming experience.
'Beyond Good & Evil 2' finds its place within Ubisoft's newly established Creative House 4, a division focused on immersive fantasy worlds and narrative-driven universes, alongside other iconic franchises such as 'Might & Magic', 'Rayman', and 'Prince of Persia'. The game's journey has been a saga in itself, first beginning development in Montpellier in 2007 under the guidance of Michel Ancel, the original creator, before experiencing extended periods of silence and re-announcements, notably a lavish concept trailer in 2017 and a 25-minute gameplay reveal in 2018. The project faced further challenges with Ancel's departure in 2020 amid allegations of a 'toxic' work environment and the tragic passing of creative lead Emil Morel in 2023. Despite these hurdles and the absence of a release date, Ubisoft has continued to provide occasional updates and included nods to the sequel in the original game's 20th-anniversary edition, steadfastly maintaining that 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' is still in active development and will eventually see the light of day.
The resilience of 'Beyond Good & Evil 2' in the face of Ubisoft's recent corporate turbulence serves as a compelling narrative within the often unpredictable video game industry. It highlights the profound dedication of development teams to their artistic vision, even when confronted with prolonged challenges and widespread corporate shifts. This ongoing saga invites reflection on the nature of long-term game development, the unwavering commitment required to nurture a project for nearly two decades, and the enduring hope of a dedicated fanbase. It suggests that, sometimes, against all odds, creative endeavors can defy the prevailing currents of corporate restructuring and maintain their course toward realization.
