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Hope for a surprise release of the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake has evaporated, with a trusted industry insider now casting doubt on an imminent launch. While recent rumors swirled around a potential January shadow drop, it appears fans of the classic platformer will need to wait a while longer.
A Discouraging Update from a Reliable Source
The latest dampener on expectations comes from leaker NateTheHate2, known for accurate predictions in the past. Responding to a fan inquiry on social media about the project’s status, he offered a succinct and sobering take: “Nothing new to share. It'll be released when it's ready. Game still has work to be done.”
This statement directly contradicts recent speculation. Last week, Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reported seeing materials that suggested a marketing push beginning in late 2025, culminating in a release on January 16, 2026. The complete silence from Ubisoft throughout December, coupled with detected activity on the game's official domain, fueled a final wave of hope for a surprise “shadow drop” on that date. January 16th, however, came and went without a whisper.
@NateTheHate2 you heard anything about the Sands of Time remake?
— Ass4ssIn (@Ass4ssin52) January 17, 2026
The new update aligns with NateTheHate2’s previous cautious stance on the title; he correctly doubted its appearance at The Game Awards last month. His latest comment suggests that even with Ubisoft’s public target of a 2026 release, the game is still undergoing significant development.
A Rocky Road to Remake
The journey for this remake has been fraught with challenges since its initial announcement in 2020. The reveal trailer was met with a lukewarm response from fans and critics, who criticized its visual presentation. This led Ubisoft to completely restart development, moving the project from its original studio in Pune and Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal.
The publisher finally broke its silence at Ubisoft Forward in 2024, narrowing the release window to 2026. The remake aims to reintroduce the beloved 2003 classic, which revolutionized action-platforming with its fluid parkour, acrobatic combat, and ingenious time-rewinding mechanics.
The Stakes Are High for Ubisoft
The prolonged and troubled development cycle occurs against a backdrop of ongoing financial and operational turbulence at Ubisoft. Despite strong sales for titles like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, the company has continued a pattern of layoffs, most recently affecting studios in Halifax and Abu Dhabi.
A successful revival of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time could reinvigorate a flagship franchise and provide a much-needed stable financial performer. However, given the tepid reaction to its first showing, Ubisoft is likely aware it cannot afford another misstep. The company may now be planning a longer, more detailed marketing campaign to rebuild hype and convince skeptical fans.
This cautious approach extends to other legacy projects. Reports suggest Ubisoft is taking its time with a Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake, ensuring it meets modern standards, a strategy they seem to be applying to Prince of Persia as well.
For now, the sands of time are moving slowly. While a 2026 release is still the official target, the message from credible sources is clear: the dagger is not yet ready, and Ubisoft is prioritizing getting it right over getting it out quickly.