‘I found out via online’: How Prince of Persia lead discovered game’s cancellation | WATCH

Following Ubisoft’s sudden announcement that it has cancelled the long-troubled Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake, actress Eman Ayaz has come forward to share the personal and professional toll the decision has taken. In a poignant video message, Ayaz revealed that she lost three years of work on what she described as a "life-changing role", and that she discovered the project’s demise through the internet rather than from the studio itself.

A Career-Defining Role Lost

While Ayaz remains under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and did not explicitly name the project, she has since interacted with fans and reports identifying her as the voice and likeness of Farah, the iconic female lead of the Sands of Time series.

"Three years ago, I booked a life-changing role on a life-changing project," Ayaz stated. "I’ve spent the last three years getting to know the team, which has become like a family to me... and this week, I found out through the internet that the project was cancelled."

Ayaz described a gruelling audition process and years of dedication, including working through physical injuries and turning down other opportunities to stay committed to the role. She noted that as recently as two months ago, she was filming marketing materials for the game, with all signs pointing toward a successful release this year.

The Personal and Professional Fallout

For Ayaz, the cancellation is more than just a lost paycheck; it has substantial implications for her future in the industry. As a Canadian actor of Pakistani heritage, she explained that she had planned to use the high-profile credit to apply for a US work visa. Because the project was scrapped and she remains bound by an NDA, she is currently unable to officially acknowledge the work on her CV.

"It’s an upward battle," Ayaz said, referencing the difficulties marginalised actors face in finding a foothold in the industry. "It’s like you think you had your foot on a ledge, and it’s crumbled. And you have to start again."

Ubisoft’s Decision

The cancellation comes as part of a massive internal restructuring at Ubisoft, which recently shuttered multiple projects and closed several development studios. Addressing the Prince of Persia community, Ubisoft stated that despite six years of development across multiple iterations, the game failed to meet quality standards.

"We weren't able to reach the level of quality you deserve," the company said in a statement, "and continuing would have required more time and investment than we could responsibly commit."

"Art as Disposable Content"

The Sands of Time Remake had been in development hell since its initial 2020 reveal, which was met with heavy criticism regarding its art style. The project was eventually moved from Ubisoft’s Indian studios (Mumbai and Pune) to Ubisoft Montréal in 2022 for a full reboot, before being ultimately shelved last week.

Ayaz concluded her message with a stinging critique of the modern gaming industry’s business-first approach.

"Sadly, the entertainment industry isn't just about entertainment; it's about guaranteeing a cash flow," she said. "And that means making decisions that treat people's lives as collateral damage, and art as disposable content."

While the game may never see the light of day, Ayaz maintained that the effort of the artists involved remains valid. "This project existed, even if the world never got to see it," she said. "It’ll be in our hearts forever."