Prince of Persia’s Big Comeback: 2 Million Players and Counting
Ever wonder what it takes to resurrect a gaming legend? Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has done just that, pulling in over two million players since its January 2024 launch. As a gamer who’s been flipping through virtual sands since the original Prince of Persia days, I can tell you—this feels like a victory lap for a franchise that’s been quiet for too long. But here’s the kicker: Ubisoft’s teasing more. “He’s just warming up,” they say. So, what’s next for our time-bending hero?
A Revival Worth Celebrating
Let’s set the stage. The Lost Crown marked the first major Prince of Persia release since 2010’s The Forgotten Sands, which, let’s be honest, didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Fast-forward to 2024, and this sidescrolling Metroidvania masterpiece has hit 1.3 million sales in its first year, with player numbers soaring past two million. How? A mix of Ubisoft’s subscription service, PS Plus inclusion, and a slick mobile port. It’s the kind of accessibility that makes you reminisce about popping a cartridge into your old Game Boy and diving in.
I remember firing up The Lost Crown for the first time, expecting a nostalgia trip but getting so much more. The tight platforming, the fluid combat—it’s like Ubisoft distilled everything I loved about Sands of Time and gave it a 2D glow-up. Two million players clearly agree.
The Cryptic Tease: “He’s Just Warming Up”
Ubisoft’s social media post has me raising an eyebrow. “The Prince is back, and believe us—he’s just warming up.” That’s the kind of line that gets your gamer senses tingling. But what does it mean? The Lost Crown team has wrapped up its post-launch roadmap, and reports from French outlet Origami last October threw cold water on sequel hopes, claiming the team was disbanded due to underwhelming commercial performance. Ouch.
Yet, senior producer Abdelhak Elguess told Eurogamer that while most of the team has moved to other projects, Ubisoft’s still “excited to bring more Prince of Persia experiences.” That’s not a throwaway line. As someone who’s seen franchises like Assassin’s Creed balloon from a single game to a cultural juggernaut, I know Ubisoft doesn’t tease lightly.
What Could Be Next?
Let’s break it down. There are a few threads to pull on here:
- •The Rogue Prince of Persia: This one’s already out in early access, crafted by Evil Empire, the folks behind Dead Cells. It’s a roguelite take, and with a full release likely on the horizon, expect Ubisoft to pour some love into it. I’ve dabbled in the early access build, and the fast-paced acrobatics are pure Prince of Persia—think Sands of Time meets Hades. More updates here seem like a safe bet.
- •Sands of Time Remake: Oh, this one’s been a rollercoaster. Originally announced years ago, it’s now targeting a 2026 release after multiple delays. As a fan who replayed the original Sands of Time on my PS2 more times than I can count, I’m cautiously optimistic. A polished remake could be a massive win, but it’s a long wait.
- •A Lost Crown Sequel?: Here’s where things get murky. Despite the team reportedly moving on, that “warming up” tease has me wondering if Ubisoft’s reconsidering. The Lost Crown nailed the Metroidvania formula—exploring its sprawling map felt like uncovering secrets in Hollow Knight. Could fan love and those two million players spark a surprise sequel? Stranger things have happened.
Why This Matters to You
If you’re a gamer like me, you’ve probably got a soft spot for franchises that defined your childhood. Prince of Persia is one of those. Whether you’re a veteran who mastered the dagger-throwing traps of the 1989 original or a newcomer who jumped in with The Lost Crown, this revival is a big deal. It’s proof that even after a decade-plus hiatus, a great series can come roaring back.
But here’s my hard-earned advice: don’t sleep on The Lost Crown if you haven’t played it yet. Its blend of precise platforming and deep exploration is a masterclass in 2D action. And with Ubisoft hinting at more, now’s the perfect time to dive in. Trust me—there’s nothing like pulling off a perfect wall-run combo to make you feel like a time-bending badass.
What’s the Future of Prince of Persia?
So, where does Prince of Persia go from here? Ubisoft’s got options, and that’s exciting. Maybe we’ll see The Rogue Prince of Persia steal the spotlight with a killer 1.0 release. Maybe the Sands of Time remake will finally deliver the nostalgia bomb we’ve been waiting for. Or, just maybe, fan demand could bring back The Lost Crown’s Metroidvania magic for another round.
Whatever happens, one thing’s clear: Prince of Persia is back, and it’s not going anywhere. Two million players have spoken, and Ubisoft’s listening. As a gamer who’s seen trends come and go, I’m betting on more acrobatic adventures—and I’m here for it. What do you think the Prince has in store? Hit the comments and let’s talk.
