After 18 Years, Beyond Good & Evil 2 Refuses to Die

Beyond Good & Evil 2 has become one of the most persistent outliers in modern AAA development. First announced in 2008, the sequel has survived multiple internal restructurings, leadership changes, and long periods of silence. While Ubisoft has avoided firm commitments, recent confirmations and internal activity show that the project remains alive. At this stage, survival itself is the headline.

Ubisoft Confirms the Game Remains in Active Development

Ubisoft’s most recent restructuring resulted in several project cancellations and layoffs across its studios, immediately placing long-running titles under scrutiny. Beyond Good & Evil 2 appeared particularly vulnerable due to its extended timeline and lack of public milestones. Despite those concerns, the game was not affected by the cuts.

Reporting by PC Gamer confirmed that creative director Fawzi Mesmar directly addressed the situation, stating that his team remains intact and that development continues. Ubisoft also reiterated that the project still aligns with its long-term focus on large-scale open-world games. That strategic alignment likely played a role in its survival.

A Project That Has Outlasted Multiple Industry Cycles

Beyond Good & Evil 2 was originally revealed in 2008 as a sequel to the 2003 cult classic, but its scope changed dramatically over time. When Ubisoft reintroduced the game at E3 2017, it had evolved into a large-scale sci-fi prequel with planetary exploration, player-created characters, and shared systems. That shift significantly expanded both ambition and complexity.

Since then, the project has endured leadership changes, internal reorganisations, and long stretches without public updates. Coverage from GamesRadar and GameSpot has repeatedly noted how rare it is for a AAA project to remain active under these conditions. Most comparable projects either ship in compromised form or are quietly canceled.

Why Ubisoft Has Not Walked Away

Ubisoft’s decision to keep Beyond Good & Evil 2 alive appears rooted in long-term positioning rather than short-term momentum. The publisher has consistently emphasised investment in expansive, systemic open-world experiences that can support extended player engagement. Within that framework, the sequel still represents a unique and potentially valuable IP.

Rather than restarting or rebranding the project, Ubisoft has opted to maintain internal development while limiting public exposure. This approach reduces external pressure but prolongs uncertainty. It also explains why the game resurfaces only intermittently through statements rather than showcases.

Hiring Activity Suggests Ongoing Production Work

Despite the lack of recent gameplay footage, internal hiring signals point to continued hands-on development. Ubisoft Montpellier has posted job listings tied directly to Beyond Good & Evil 2, including roles focused on technical sound and system implementation. These listings were highlighted by PC Gamer and suggest work on core systems rather than early planning.

Roles of this type typically appear during active production phases. While hiring alone does not guarantee progress toward release, it indicates that the project exists beyond documentation and internal pitches. Additional reporting from myNintendoNews supports the view that development continues without a defined timeline.

What Players Should Realistically Expect

For players, the current status of Beyond Good & Evil 2 calls for restraint rather than optimism. Ubisoft has not announced platforms, milestones, or a release window, and none appear imminent. The game is active, staffed, and funded, but not positioned for launch.

After 18 years, Beyond Good & Evil 2 is no longer a conventional sequel. It has become a case study in endurance and internal commitment. Whether it ultimately ships or not, its continued survival already sets it apart from almost every other AAA project of its era.