Now that former powerhouse event E3 is no longer in the picture, it’s down to publishers to host their own showcases and reveal upcoming aces up their sleeves. Ubisoft is no exception, keeping the gaming momentum going with this year’s iteration of Ubisoft Forward.
While the presentation primarily focused on Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there were also fresh details on other new projects, including the long-awaited return to a beloved Prince of Persia classic (if you’re thinking it, you’re probably right).
Here’s what went down at Ubisoft Forward 2024.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
As Prince of Persia continues to enjoy a renewed interest, Ubisoft has dropped an surprise teaser in celebration of the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The studio’s remake of 2003’s The Sands of Time is now eyeing a 2026 release, with the trailer showing a burning candle… and nothing else. Naturally, much of the information are being kept under wraps, but it’s nice to have confirmation that the project is still underway – especially with its troubled development thus far.
Elsewhere, roguelike platformer The Rogue Prince of Persia is getting an update called “The Temple of Fire”, which will pit players against tougher challenges and enemies. Rounding up the announcement slate is a free content update, comprising revised bosses, new amulets, puzzle challenges, and more, and a story DLC for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The expansion is due to bow in this September.
Star Wars Outlaws
The first open-world Star Wars game offered an extended look at various gameplay mechanics, from speeding through the familiar dunes of Tatooine and engaging in space combat to shooting enemies down with protagonist Kay Vess’ trusty blaster. In preparation for a scoundrel adventure on 30 August, Star Wars Outlaws also unveiled a second trailer showcasing more locations, alien species, and gameplay styles.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
It’s been a long time coming, but Assassin’s Creed Shadows will finally bring players to feudal Japan on 15 November, fulfilling a long-requested fantasy. The game’s dual protagonist system allows players to step into the shoes of samurai powerhouse Yasuke or the swift-footed, stealthy shinobi Naoe, with gameplay footage showing the differences and versatility between their play styles.
XDefiant Season 1
Free-to-play shooter XDefiant has caused some buzz within the gaming community, and the hype is only ramping up with an announcement of its first season. Expect new maps, a new Capture the Flag mode, and new weapons when Season 1 arrives 2 July, alongside the rise of a new faction: GSK from fellow Ubisoft title Rainbow Six Siege.
Anno 117: Pax Romana
Slated for release in 2025, Anno 117: Pax Romana will mark the real-time strategy series’ first foray into Rome. It’s set to take place during the great era of peace across Rome’s vast empire, where players are free to choose between the British Isle or the Roman heartland to start their adventure.
The Crew Motorfest
The Crew Motorfest is kicking things into high gear with new cars, a new Hawaiian island, and a second Made in Japan playlist as part of its Year 2 roadmap. A full reveal will come in September.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora DLC
Picking up after the game’s main story, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora The Sky Breaker DLC features a new location called The Heart of the Plains, a new enemy type, expanded character progression, and more. It releases 17 July and is due for another DLC later in 2024.
Skull and Bones Season 2
The high seas rage on in Skull and Bones with more content updates for Season 2 (“Chorus of Havoc”) and Season 3 (“Into the Dragon’s Wake”), including new sea lords, game modes, monsters, cosmetics, and more. The former is now live, with the third season arriving Summer 2024.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
