Prince of Persia is not just a game — it’s a legacy. A franchise that revolutionized the action-adventure genre, captivated millions, and left a deep mark on the history of gaming. Developed by Ubisoft, Prince of Persia became synonymous with innovation, style, and unforgettable gameplay mechanics.
However, after the fourth main installment, fans have been left yearning for more. Despite teases and delays, a proper new addition to the franchise still remains elusive. So why was this franchise so special? Why are fans still holding out hope for a new title, possibly in 2026? Let’s explore.
A Legendary Gaming Franchise: The Magic of Prince of Persia
When we talk about some of the best gaming franchises of all time, Prince of Persia earns its rightful place at the top. Originally created by Jordan Mechner in 1989, the series gained a cult following for its cinematic animation and gripping storytelling. However, it was the reboot in the early 2000s, particularly Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003), that brought global recognition and critical acclaim.
Ubisoft masterfully revived the franchise and gave it the modern treatment it deserved, turning it into a benchmark for action-adventure games. The trilogy — The Sands of Time, Warrior Within, and The Two Thrones — showcased a blend of compelling narratives, innovative gameplay, and a hauntingly beautiful world.
No New Main Game After the Fourth Installment
Despite the success of the earlier games, Prince of Persia sadly lost momentum after the fourth major title, The Forgotten Sands (2010). Since then, there has been no true continuation of the main storyline.
Fans were left in limbo, with Ubisoft shifting its focus to other franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. This silence led many to believe that Prince of Persia might have been shelved indefinitely. But interest never waned — in fact, it only grew stronger.
Parkour Gameplay That Redefined Movement in Games
One of the standout features of Prince of Persia was its unique parkour movement system. Long before parkour became a staple in open-world games, the Prince was already gracefully leaping across rooftops, scaling walls, and flipping through ancient ruins.
This fluid and dynamic movement system was not just impressive; it was integral to the gameplay experience. Whether you were dodging traps or exploring ancient temples, the parkour mechanics made every moment feel cinematic and intense.
Games like Assassin’s Creed and Mirror’s Edge owe a significant debt to the groundwork laid by Prince of Persia in this domain.
The Iconic Time-Reversal Mechanic
Another groundbreaking feature was the “time recall” mechanic introduced in The Sands of Time. With the press of a button, players could rewind time to correct mistakes — whether that was a missed jump or a fatal enemy blow.
This mechanic wasn’t just a gimmick; it fundamentally changed how players approached challenges. It added a layer of strategy and forgiveness that made the game more accessible and enjoyable without reducing its difficulty.
Even today, few games have implemented such a feature as effectively as Prince of Persia did back in the early 2000s.
A Revenue-Boosting Hit for Ubisoft
There’s no denying that Prince of Persia was one of Ubisoft’s top-performing franchises during its peak. The critical acclaim and commercial success helped boost the company’s revenue and established Ubisoft as a major force in the gaming industry.
With millions of copies sold globally, each title in the franchise solidified Ubisoft’s place in the action-adventure genre. For years, it was considered a flagship series alongside Assassin’s Creed, which ironically owes much of its DNA to Prince of Persia.
Impressive Sales Numbers That Spoke Volumes
The franchise wasn’t just a critical darling; it was also a commercial powerhouse. Across its titles, Prince of Persia sold over 20 million copies — an impressive feat that few franchises achieve.
These numbers demonstrated the franchise’s broad appeal and market demand. Even today, collectors and retro gamers eagerly search for old copies, proving that the love for the series hasn’t died.
Time for a Comeback: Ubisoft Should Refocus on the Prince
Given the strong fan base, critical legacy, and proven sales track record, Ubisoft should seriously consider reviving the franchise in a meaningful way.
While a remake of The Sands of Time was announced years ago, it has faced numerous delays and development challenges. The latest rumors suggest a possible release in 2026, but fans are understandably skeptical due to the prolonged silence and lack of updates.
This raises an important question: what is Ubisoft waiting for? The industry is ripe for a Prince of Persia return. With modern hardware and storytelling tools, the potential for a new title is enormous.
Fans Are Still Waiting — Are You?
Despite over a decade without a proper sequel, the passion for Prince of Persia remains strong. Social media platforms and gaming forums are full of discussions, fan art, and theories about potential storylines.
Ubisoft has a golden opportunity to reignite this iconic franchise and tap into both nostalgia and a new generation of gamers. Imagine a game with the same gripping storytelling, enhanced parkour, updated combat systems, and an even more refined time manipulation mechanic — it could easily become a Game of the Year contender.
Final Thoughts
Prince of Persia is more than just a relic of gaming history. It’s a masterpiece that showcased the heights video games could reach in narrative, gameplay, and innovation. With so much potential left unexplored and so many fans still eager for more, it’s high time Ubisoft gave the Prince his rightful return.
Whether the next game comes in 2026 or sooner, one thing is clear: the world is ready for Prince of Persia to make its triumphant comeback.
What Do You Think?
Now, it’s over to you.
Are you a fan of Prince of Persia? Do you want Ubisoft to bring it back in a big way? What features would you love to see in a new game?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or let us know on social media. The voice of the community matters — and sometimes, it’s what brings our favorite heroes back to life.