Beyond Good and Evil 2 reportedly remains in pre-production as Ubisoft shifts project to solo-first focus
Eurogamer reports, citing Origami Media, that Beyond Good and Evil 2 is still in pre-production 18 years after its initial announcement. The project has allegedly evolved from a multiplayer-first concept into a solo-first adventure featuring a strong narrative and optional co-op, though ongoing restructuring at Ubisoft has reportedly introduced uncertainty about its future.
Key points
- Beyond Good and Evil 2 is reportedly still in pre-production 18 years after being announced by Ubisoft.
- The project has allegedly shifted from a multiplayer-first concept to a solo-first narrative adventure with optional co-op.
- Ubisoft's recent company restructuring has reportedly removed the project's long-standing immunity from cancellation.
What Happened
According to a report by Origami Media translated by Eurogamer, Beyond Good and Evil 2 remains in pre-production 18 years after its initial reveal at the UbiDays event in Paris in 2008. Sources close to the game's development indicate that the project has transitioned away from an earlier multiplayer-first and connected design towards a solo-first adventure featuring a strong narrative and optional co-op.
Context
Between 2019 and 2022, the game's concept was reportedly heavily multiplayer and connected, drawing inspiration from titles like Fortnite and Destiny. Over time, the scope evolved from matchmade groups to team-based play before arriving at the current solo-first aim with no mandatory online connection. The game has frequently missed internal creative milestones and currently holds the record for the video game longest in development, surpassing Duke Nukem Forever in 2022.
What Comes Next
While the project previously enjoyed unwavering internal support from Ubisoft, wide-ranging company restructuring has reportedly altered its standing. Following studio closures and downsizing in other offices, sources indicate that staff are now uncertain about the project's future as it aims to move into the alpha phase.
Why it matters
Beyond Good and Evil 2 reportedly remains in pre-production after 18 years, with Ubisoft's restructuring introducing uncertainty into its future.
What we know
- Eurogamer reports, citing Origami Media, that Beyond Good and Evil 2 is in pre-production 18 years after its announcement.
- The game has reportedly shifted from a multiplayer-first concept to a solo-first adventure with optional co-op.
- Beyond Good and Evil 2 surpassed Duke Nukem Forever's 14-year record in 2022 as the video game longest in development.
What remains unclear
- Whether Beyond Good and Evil 2 will successfully transition to its alpha phase and avoid cancellation amid Ubisoft's restructuring is uncertain.
