Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia Remake May Finally Have a Date — But There’s a Catch

Why this date actually matters for gamers

If Tom Henderson’s latest insider report is right, Ubisoft is eyeing January 16, 2026, for the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake. That’s not just another ping on the release calendar – it’s the possible end of a multi-year development saga, a studio handoff, and a test of whether Ubisoft can resuscitate a beloved franchise without breaking what made the original great.

This caught my attention because Prince of Persia is one of those entries in gaming history that still influences how we think about movement and time-based mechanics. It’s also a window into Ubisoft’s strategy: do they let classic IP gather dust, or do they actually give it the time and resources to come back properly?

• Insider Tom Henderson reports a targeted launch of January 16, 2026.
• Development moved from Ubisoft Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal – a notable studio shift.
• The date would align neatly with a potential reveal push at The Game Awards 2025.
• Long development, silence, and prior delays mean skepticism is warranted.

Breaking down the leak: what we actually know

The core claim here comes from insider Tom Henderson: Ubisoft has a January 16, 2026 target for the remake. Henderson also notes the game’s development was shifted from Ubisoft Mumbai to Ubisoft Montreal – a detail that explains part of the sluggish public cadence. Studio moves like that usually mean rework, fresh leadership, and additional QA cycles.

Why January? It’s strategically clean. Early 2026 is quieter than the crowded fall season, and—conveniently—aligns with The Game Awards hype cycle. Henderson suggests a Game Awards showcase on December 11, 2025, could be the moment Ubisoft locks the date publicly. Nothing is official yet, though; Ubisoft has offered scant updates and could still delay or change course.

Why this matters — beyond nostalgia

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time isn’t just a nostalgia play. The 2003 original set standards for level design, fluid platforming, and time-based puzzles. A well-made remake could reintroduce those core mechanics to a generation that’s seen their DNA pop up in games from Assassin’s Creed to modern action-adventures.

Compare this to recent remake successes: Resident Evil 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Dead Space. Those projects didn’t just up-res textures — they rethought systems, pacing, and story beats. If Ubisoft treats Sands of Time the same way, we could get a legitimate contender for best remake of the year. If they don’t, it’ll feel like a missed opportunity.

The real risks — and the red flags

Development silence and a studio handoff are red flags. Remakes often stumble on translating old mechanics to modern expectations: parkour that felt natural in 2003 can feel clumsy by today’s standards if not rebuilt from the ground up. The signature time-manipulation systems also need careful balancing — they’re a gimmick if not tightly integrated into combat and puzzles.

Another worry is scope creep or monetization. Ubisoft has a history of attaching live-service elements to major releases; fans will rightly be wary of microtransactions, forced online features, or DLC-heavy roadmaps for what should be a self-contained single-player experience.

What to watch for at The Game Awards (if Ubisoft shows up)

• Confirmed release date and platforms — January 16, 2026 is precise, but we need Ubisoft to back it up.
• Gameplay that demonstrates modernized parkour and how time powers impact combat and puzzles.
• A clear stance on monetization and post-launch support—paid expansions are fine; loot boxes are not.
• An explanation of what changed after the move from Mumbai to Montreal (scope, tech, vision).

If Ubisoft turns up with footage showing rethought traversal, polished level design, and no obvious monetization strings, the community will be forgiving. If the presentation feels thin, expect more skepticism and another round of delay rumors.

TL;DR

Insider reports put Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake on January 16, 2026 and note a studio transfer to Ubisoft Montreal. That’s promising but not definitive — years of silence, a major handoff, and Ubisoft’s post-2024 reputation mean gamers should stay excited but cautious. Watch The Game Awards for a proper reveal; the remake’s success will hinge on smart modernization, respect for the original, and no shady monetization.