Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Ubisoft’s Vision for the Next Big Chapter
An American game designer, Jordan Mechner, who helped create the original Prince of Persia in 1989, has shared his thoughts on the newest installment and Ubisoft’s plans for a major entry in the series. In a conversation with Portal, Mechner offered his perspective on how the franchise might evolve and what fans can reasonably expect in the near term. His comments come as readers and players watch closely for hints about the series’ future direction.
Mechner notes that The Lost Crown stands out as the title that successfully emerged from years of production obstacles and ultimately reached players. He believes that, given today’s gaming landscape, this installment represents the strongest option for longtime Prince of Persia enthusiasts who are seeking a fresh yet familiar experience. The sentiment underscores a preference for completing a coherent arc with a game that has cleared its development hurdles and is ready for audiences to enjoy.
Drawing a parallel with Ubisoft’s approach to Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, which is set in Iran, Mechner points to the practical realities behind a large scale, open-world project in a sensitive geopolitical context. He suggests that, at this moment, launching another AAA Prince of Persia title set in a similar region would be unlikely. The comparison highlights the studio’s careful navigation of setting, scope, and local considerations that influence production decisions.
Mechner also acknowledges that several earlier attempts within Ubisoft to expand Prince of Persia into new forms did not reach the announcement stage. He made it clear that, from his vantage point, a future big-budget Prince of Persia project from Ubisoft should not be anticipated in the coming years. The emphasis remains on delivering a solid, enjoyable experience rather than pursuing rapid, flashy bets.
In his view, 2D gameplay continues to be a compelling direction for Prince of Persia, especially in a moment when other action-adventure franchises explore different styles. For fans who favor a more grounded or realistic aesthetic, The Lost Crown may feel like the right kind of evolution at this time. The developer notes that the choice of format should align with the story, gameplay rhythm, and the emotional tone the team wants to convey to players who remember the classic era of the series.
During the Summer Game Fest event in June, Ubisoft presented The Lost Crown as the inaugural Prince of Persia title in over a decade. The announcement signaled a renewed commitment to the franchise while signaling a measured approach to its revival—one that respects the series’ past while inviting new players to experience its distinctive movement and puzzle-based gameplay. The reveal was framed as a careful recalibration rather than a wholesale reinvention, aiming to satisfy longtime fans and curiosity-driven newcomers alike.
Commentary on the spin-off materials associated with Prince of Persia has circulated online, including discussions from fans and industry observers about how the franchise’s iconography, mechanics, and narrative voice are evolving. Across these conversations, the central thread remains clear: there is excitement for a modern Prince of Persia that honors the original spirit while embracing contemporary design and technology. What matters most to audiences is a well-crafted game that delivers memorable moments, polished controls, and a cohesive narrative arc that stands up to scrutiny in a crowded market. The dialogue around The Lost Crown continues to shape expectations for what Ubisoft will bring to the franchise next, even as current releases fill the gap with a blend of homage and innovation. [Citation: Ubisoft communications and industry press coverage]