It’s a development saga that defies belief. Beyond Good & Evil 2, first announced nearly two decades ago, is apparently still in active development at Ubisoft, with the company actively seeking new talent to join the project.
The Long Road to Release
First unveiled in 2008, Beyond Good & Evil 2 has been a ghost in the gaming machine for years. After a significant showing at E3 2017, where it was positioned as a prequel, public updates have been scarce. The latest news, however, suggests that the ambitious space-faring adventure hasn’t been abandoned, despite its notoriously long and troubled development cycle.
- Enduring Development: The game is still being actively worked on, 17 years after its initial announcement.
- Active Recruitment: Ubisoft is currently hiring for positions related to Beyond Good & Evil 2.
- Pre-E3 2017 Hype: The game was last prominently showcased at E3 2017 as a prequel.
Why This Matters: A Test of Endurance
Ubisoft’s continued investment in Beyond Good & Evil 2, even after all this time, speaks volumes about their commitment – or perhaps their unwillingness to let such a long-gestating project go entirely. In an industry that often moves at breakneck speed, the sheer longevity of this development is remarkable. It raises questions about the game’s scope, its potential, and whether it can possibly live up to the immense expectations built over nearly two decades. For fans who have held out hope, this hiring news is a flicker of light, but the true test will be seeing the game actually launch.
Industry Context
The gaming industry is no stranger to long development cycles. Titles like Duke Nukem Forever famously took over a decade to release, often to mixed reception. However, Beyond Good & Evil 2, with its ambitious scope and unique artistic vision, represents a different kind of gamble. Ubisoft’s decision to press on, even hiring new staff, suggests they believe in the core concept and are willing to see it through, regardless of the time investment. This could signal a trend towards publishers being more patient with major projects, or it could simply be a testament to the unique legacy of the original Beyond Good & Evil.
This article was based on reporting from Eurogamer. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
