Beyond Good and Evil 2 somehow survived the purge at Ubisoft | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.Beyond Good and Evil 2 somehow survived the purge at UbisoftComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GamingCloseGamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GamingBeyond Good and Evil 2 somehow survived the purge at UbisoftPrince of Persia Remake did not.Prince of Persia Remake did not.by Sean HollisterCloseSean HollisterSenior EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sean HollisterJan 23, 2026, 12:53 AM UTCLinkShareGiftSean HollisterCloseSean HollisterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sean Hollister is a senior editor and founding member of The Verge who covers gadgets, games, and toys. He spent 15 years editing the likes of CNET, Gizmodo, and Engadget.In what world does Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake get canceled amid corporate restructuring and yet BG&E2 does not?”Beyond Good & Evil 2 remains a priority for us in the context of our strategy centered around Open World Adventures,” an unnamed Ubisoft spokesperson told Kotaku and Insider Gaming.The original Beyond Good & Evil is a fantastic game I can enjoy even now, over 20 years on from its 2003 release.The sequel has been in development hell nearly as long at over 17 years, the longest of any major game; it’s survived the retirement of its first creative director, the death of its second creative director, and that one time Joseph Gordon-Levitt attempted to suggest an army of fans should do generate its art and music in the attempt to win a small amount of prize money.I would love to see proof of life... don’t suppose Ubisoft would like to share some with us?Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Sean HollisterCloseSean HollisterSenior EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sean HollisterGamingCloseGamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GamingMost PopularMost PopularClaude Code is suddenly everywhere inside MicrosoftSony announces its first turntables in yearsWhat a Sony and TCL partnership means for the future of TVsEveryone can hear your TV in their headphones using this transmitterHow much can a city take?The Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adMore in GamingFable is coming to PS5 when it finally launches this fallHere’s a new look at Beast of Reincarnation, from the team behind PokémonForza Horizon 6 launches in MayXbox Developer Direct 2026: the biggest games and announcementsAMD’s faster Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU arrives on January 29th for $499Big games are getting bigger — and so are the stakesFable is coming to PS5 when it finally launches this fallJay PetersJan 22Here’s a new look at Beast of Reincarnation, from the team behind PokémonAndrew WebsterJan 22Forza Horizon 6 launches in MayJay PetersJan 22Xbox Developer Direct 2026: the biggest games and announcementsAndrew WebsterJan 22AMD’s faster Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU arrives on January 29th for $499Tom WarrenJan 22Big games are getting bigger — and so are the stakesJay PetersJan 22Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adTop StoriesJan 22Epic and Google have a secret $800 million Unreal Engine and services dealJan 22The state attorneys general are as mad as you areAn hour agoThe TikTok deal is done, finallyJan 22Claude Code is suddenly everywhere inside MicrosoftJan 22Why nobody’s stopping GrokVideoJan 19It’s worse than it looks in MinneapolisThe VergeThe Verge logo.FacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSContactTip UsCommunity GuidelinesArchivesAboutEthics StatementHow We Rate and Review ProductsCookie SettingsTerms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie PolicyLicensing FAQAccessibilityPlatform Status© 2026 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved

Beyond Good & Evil 2’s continued development amidst Ubisoft’s corporate restructuring represents a significant and arguably perplexing anomaly within the gaming industry, generating considerable discussion and speculation. The situation, as reported by Kotaku and Insider Gaming, centers on Ubisoft’s broader strategic refocus, triggered by a significant restructuring following financial difficulties and a series of controversies surrounding workplace culture and allegations of misconduct. This restructuring necessitated a prioritization of projects, leading to the cancellation of numerous titles and a shift in strategic direction. Critically, Ubisoft’s statement indicates that *Beyond Good & Evil 2* remains a key priority, specifically within the context of a ‘Open World Adventures’ strategy. This strategic decision contrasts sharply with the fate of *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake*, which, according to reports, was similarly impacted by these restructuring decisions, resulting in its cancellation.

The extended development timeline of *Beyond Good & Evil 2*, spanning over seventeen years, is itself a notable aspect of the narrative. The project’s genesis dates back to 2003, and has endured numerous challenges, including the departure of its initial creative director and the passing of the second creative director. A particularly bizarre episode involved a crowdfunding campaign, instigated by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, aimed at soliciting fan-generated art and music as a means of accelerating development; the campaign garnered minimal interest and a small prize reward. This episode highlights the protracted and unconventional nature of the project's progression. The apparent resilience of *Beyond Good & Evil 2* to this restructuring underscores a deliberate, potentially high-value strategic investment by Ubisoft.

The decision to retain *Beyond Good & Evil 2* speaks volumes about Ubisoft’s assessment of the game's potential, likely tied to its unique setting, ambitious scope mirroring the desired ‘Open World Adventures’ strategy, and the significant player base who have nurtured and invested in the game's development across many years of waiting. It suggests that Ubisoft views *Beyond Good & Evil 2* as a flagship title with the capacity to revitalize their portfolio and demonstrate a commitment to long-term, ambitious projects. This contrasts directly with the fate of *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake*, likely assessed as a lower priority relative to the core strategic goals outlined by Ubisoft leadership, leading to its removal from the roadmap.

Furthermore, the situation raises questions about the dynamics within Ubisoft itself, and the influence of specific development teams and leadership in shaping the company's overall strategy. The decision not to cancel *Beyond Good & Evil 2*, despite the broader cutbacks, must rely upon a concerted decision, or a lack of full understanding of the impacts of the changes by those directly involved in project allocations. The prolonged development, coupled with the unusual circumstances surrounding its creation (including the Joseph Gordon-Levitt crowdfunding initiative), indicate a significant, potentially idiosyncratic investment within the larger corporate strategy. The continuation of *Beyond Good & Evil 2* at this stage suggests a willingness to both bet on a specific title’s potential and maintain a degree of creative autonomy within the restructured organization.