Beyond Good & Evil 2: A Never-Ending Waiting Game

This year’s Ubisoft Forward livestream has come and gone, leaving fans without any updates on the highly anticipated Beyond Good & Evil 2. With a development period that has now surpassed even that of Duke Nukem Forever, the continued lack of progress is becoming a saga in its own right. Ubisoft insists that the game is still in the works, but specifics remain conspicuously absent. Beyond Good & Evil 2, a title that promised a groundbreaking experience now feels like a mirage receding further into the distance.

Announced in 2008, Beyond Good & Evil 2 has faced numerous hurdles. Despite a thrilling trailer at E3 in 2017, tangible evidence of progression has been scant. Development was notably impacted by the departure of Michel Ancel 2020, a creative force behind the franchise. Ubisoft claims the development team is working hard, yet labor investigations at Ubisoft Montpellier reflect a deeper turmoil. The investigation revealed unprecedented stress and sickness levels among employees, culminating in the exit of the studio's managing director in early 2023.

Adding to the confusion is the mysterious nature of the Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition. Some lucky fans got a sneak peek last year due to a “technical error,” but no official release has been confirmed. Originally anticipated for early 2024, this project appears to be floating in limbo. The 20th anniversary of the original game has passed, and Ubisoft’s silence on the matter only fuels fan frustration.

Some hope appeared in Ubisoft's announcement of a remastered edition of the original game, initially slated for 2024. However, there's been no follow-up on this either. Ubisoft's communication strategy, or lack thereof, leaves fans in the dark about both the main sequel and the anniversary edition. With each passing event, the anticipation gives way to skepticism and impatience.

The continuous delays and lack of updates on Beyond Good & Evil 2 are starting to wear thin on even the most loyal fans. Ubisoft's promises and reassurances seem more like placeholders than progress markers. While it's clear that the project is ambitious, clarity and transparency from Ubisoft are paramount at this stage. Until then, Beyond Good & Evil 2 remains more myth than materialized reality, continuing its reign as the ultimate vaporware in the gaming industry. Only time will tell if this sci-fi epic will ever see the light of day.