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GOG to Preserve Original Sands of Time After Remake Cancellation

Following Ubisoft’s official cancellation of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, digital storefront GOG has announced plans to incorporate the original 2003 classic into its Preservation Program. The remake, which was first revealed in 2020, faced a tumultuous development cycle involving multiple studio shifts and delays before being discontinued as part of a wider restructuring at Ubisoft. In response to the news, GOG stated that while the cancellation is disappointing, it presents an opportunity to celebrate the “masterpiece that started it all.” By adding the title to their program, GOG aims to ensure that the original version remains accessible and optimized for modern hardware.

The GOG Preservation Program

The GOG Preservation Program, launched in 2024, is designed to keep older PC games playable on current and future operating systems. For The Sands of Time, this means GOG will work on the following improvements:

  • Modern Compatibility: Updates to ensure the game runs smoothly on the latest versions of Windows and varied hardware configurations.
  • Restored Content: Including high-quality digital manuals, DLC, and other bonus materials that may have been lost over time.
  • Offline Access: Maintaining GOG’s signature DRM-free approach with dedicated offline installers.
  • Technical Polish: Addressing long-standing bugs or resolution issues that often plague 2000s-era PC ports.

Once the process is complete, the game will carry the “Preserved by GOG” label, guaranteeing a high-quality experience for both nostalgic fans and new players.

Legacy of the Sands

Originally released in 2003, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is widely regarded as one of the most influential action-adventure games of its era. It revolutionized 3D platforming with its fluid parkour-style movement and introduced the groundbreaking “Dagger of Time” mechanic, which allowed players to rewind time to correct mistakes. The game’s blend of cinematic storytelling and innovative gameplay laid the foundation for future industry giants, including the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While Ubisoft has not announced any immediate plans for the series following the remake’s cancellation, GOG’s preservation efforts ensure that the Prince’s most famous journey will not be lost to time.

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