The Prince of Persia franchise is gearing up for a fresh and exciting addition, as reports surfaced about Ubisoft’s plans to release a rogue-like entry in the beloved series later this year. According to insiders, the game, titled “The Rogue Prince of Persia,” is being developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind the critically acclaimed post-launch support for the hit indie game Dead Cells.
If the reports are accurate, “The Rogue Prince of Persia” will mark Ubisoft’s first day-one Steam release since 2019, as the game is slated to launch into Steam Early Access later this year. This move aligns with Ubisoft’s strategy of involving the community in the development process, as the game is expected to receive constant free updates and evolve based on player feedback.
The rogue-like genre, known for its challenging and replayable gameplay loops, seems like a natural fit for the Prince of Persia series, which has long been celebrated for its acrobatic combat and time-bending mechanics. While details about the game’s specifics remain scarce, insiders have revealed that “The Rogue Prince of Persia” will draw heavy inspiration from Franco-Belgian comics in its art direction, promising a visually striking and stylized experience.
Interestingly, this report comes hot on the heels of Ubisoft’s recent revival of the Prince of Persia franchise with the release of “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” earlier this year. The company has already announced plans for four free post-launch updates for “The Lost Crown,” adding content such as a boss rush mode and new story elements before the end of 2024.
The collaboration between Ubisoft and Evil Empire for “The Rogue Prince of Persia” is particularly intriguing, given the developer’s pedigree with the rogue-like genre through their work on Dead Cells. Evil Empire has been instrumental in maintaining and expanding the popular indie title, delivering a steady stream of updates and content that kept players engaged long after its initial release.
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While the official announcement and reveal of “The Rogue Prince of Persia” are still pending, the game’s development has reportedly been underway for four years, following discussions between Evil Empire and Ubisoft at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2019. This extended development period suggests a substantial effort to craft a compelling and polished rogue-like experience within the Prince of Persia universe.
With the resurgence of the Prince of Persia franchise and the involvement of a studio like Evil Empire, known for their expertise in the rogue-like genre, fans of the series and newcomers alike can look forward to a fresh and ambitious take on the beloved platforming action-adventure series. As Ubisoft continues to revive and expand the Prince of Persia universe, “The Rogue Prince of Persia” promises to offer a unique and engaging experience that could breathe new life into the franchise.
