Ubisoft has recently announced that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has surpassed 2 million players, marking a significant milestone for this ambitious Metroidvania developed by Ubisoft Montpellier. Initially launched in January 2024, the game sold 1.3 million copies during its first year, starting with a modest reception. Despite receiving praiseworthy reviews and several awards, these figures fell short of internal expectations set by the French publisher.
A respected success amid commercial challenges, The Lost Crown has been commended for its polished gameplay, inspired level design, and innovative approach to accessibility. The game won four major awards at the 2025 Pégases, including Best Video Game of the Year, Best Game Design, Best Accessibility, and Best Sound Universe. These accolades highlight the studio’s commitment to providing an inclusive experience without sacrificing gameplay complexity. Despite its undeniable merits, The Lost Crown did not meet Ubisoft’s predefined commercial goals. This outcome led to the dissolution of Ubisoft Montpellier’s development team, with members being reassigned to other projects within the company. The absence of plans for a direct sequel further emphasizes the commercial challenges the game encountered.
Crossing the threshold of 2 million players reflects sustained interest in The Lost Crown, largely due to regular updates and post-launch additional content. However, the franchise’s future remains uncertain, with projects such as the upcoming remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time being developed by Ubisoft Toronto and Montreal, set for release in 2026. In summary, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown illustrates the complexity of the current video game market, where critical acclaim does not necessarily guarantee commercial success. Nevertheless, the game remains a significant work, both for its innovations and the passion of its development team.
