Behind the Scenes of Beyond Good and Evil 2: Struggles and Conflicts in Development

The progress of Beyond Good and Evil 2 has faced significant challenges that have recently come to light. Michel Ancel, widely recognized as the mind behind both the beloved Beyond Good and Evil and the Rayman series, has been away from the gaming scene for almost five years. After leaving Ubisoft in 2020, he shifted his focus towards wildlife initiatives, yet remnants of his time at the company reveal intriguing insights into the tumultuous development journey of the sequel that continues to be mired in delays.

Ancel shared some revelations in a discussion with Superpouvoir, shedding light on issues that plagued the project long before the present day. Four years ago, the complications were already evident, and the anticipated release date remains uncertain despite its status as an ongoing development endeavor.

He remarked on the ambition that sometimes drives projects to face overwhelming challenges. Passion among the team members can serve as a powerful motivation, yet it may also spark disputes among individuals eager to put their ideas into practice. In the situation regarding Beyond Good and Evil 2, conflicting visions among key figures created substantial friction.

According to Ancel, the artistic vision became a point of contention. The art director was intent on repeated revisions, while the game director had aspirations for a dungeon crawler, and Ancel himself yearned for a space-themed adventure. This divergence of ideas made collaboration difficult, leading the game director to steer the project in an unexpected direction.

As the discord unfolded, lack of clarity regarding leadership responsibilities became apparent. While producers typically establish order, the situation remained chaotic, prompting even Yves Guillemot, the CEO, to travel to Montpellier in hopes of restoring stability. However, his efforts fell short, and the game director's steadfastness in his vision further complicated the matter.

This scenario exemplifies some of the critical feedback directed at Guillemot's leadership from Ubisoft's investors recently. The future of the company, and subsequently its various projects, may hinge on his ongoing tenure as CEO.