Former Ubisoft Creative Director Discusses Issues in Beyond Good and Evil 2 Development

Ubisoft's action-adventure game, Beyond Good and Evil 2, has been in development limbo since its first teaser trailer was unveiled at E3 2017, marking over seven years of uncertainty. Recently, Michel Ancel, the game's original creator and former Ubisoft creative director, shed light on one of the primary reasons for the project's prolonged setbacks: creative disagreements among the leadership team.

In an interview with French media outlet Superpouvoir, Ancel revealed that during the early stages of Beyond Good and Evil 2’s development, the leadership harbored differing visions for the game’s direction. He stated, "The art director wanted to continuously redo content, the game director aimed to create a game centered around a procedurally generated dungeon, and my dream was for it to be a space adventure." This clash of creative ideas led to frequent changes in the game's direction and delays in progress.

Leadership Changes and Their Impact

Ultimately, the game director’s vision prevailed. Since taking the reins in 2017, Jean-Marc Geffroy led the development team until his departure in early 2023. Following him, Emile Morel took over but sadly passed away just six months into his role. In October 2024, Fawzi Mesmar, the former global creative vice president at Ubisoft, officially stepped in as the game director for Beyond Good and Evil 2.

Ancel mentioned that under the new leadership, the project seems to have reached “some sort of balance,” acknowledging his own share of responsibility for the past creative disputes. While the management chaos appears to have eased, the game's development timeline remains uncertain.

A Look Back at the Original Game

The original Beyond Good and Evil, released in 2003, allowed players to step into the shoes of Jade, an investigative journalist who infiltrates an underground network to uncover a galactic conspiracy. As she delves deeper into her investigation, various characters join her in a quest to save the future of their galaxy. The sequel acts as a prequel to the first game, offering not just a single-player experience but also a multiplayer mode dubbed "Endless Online Playground."

The first teaser showcased expansive cityscapes and thrilling space chases, while the second trailer revealed cinematic details suggesting the original protagonist Jade might have turned antagonist. Despite a promising start, updates on the game have dwindled since 2020, leading to skepticism about its future.

Community Reactions and Expectations

Fans of the franchise have expressed mixed feelings about the ongoing development struggles. Many are eager for updates but are also concerned about the long wait. The community hopes that with the new direction under Mesmar, the game can finally shift from the drawing board to actual gameplay. The anticipation surrounding Beyond Good and Evil 2 remains high, especially considering the legacy of the original title, which is still beloved by many players.

Future Prospects for Ubisoft and Ancel

Michel Ancel, who previously created Rayman and Beyond Good and Evil, left the gaming industry in 2020 to focus on conservation efforts. Recently, however, he has re-entered the scene as a consultant for a potential remake of the Rayman series, stating that “getting back to creating Rayman has been very interesting.” While no further details were disclosed, his return could signal a new chapter for Ubisoft as it seeks to revive classic franchises amidst the challenges facing Beyond Good and Evil 2.