20 Years of Chaos: The Drama Behind Beyond Good & Evil 2’s Development

Few video games have endured a development story as tumultuous and long-winded as Beyond Good & Evil 2. Spanning nearly two decades, this highly anticipated sequel has become the poster child for industry delays and behind-the-scenes conflict. Recently, series creator Michel Ancel shed light on the turbulent journey of the project, attributing much of the chaos to “passionate managers” with clashing visions. Here’s an in-depth look at the drama that has kept this game stuck in development limbo for so long.

The Dream That Turned Into a Development Nightmare

Originally announced in 2008, Beyond Good & Evil 2 was poised to be an ambitious follow-up to the cult classic that captivated fans with its blend of adventurous gameplay and gripping storytelling. However, what should have been a dream project quickly unravelled due to conflicting leadership, evolving technology, and internal controversies. Ancel, who retired from Ubisoft in 2020, described the experience as one marred by indecision and managerial conflict.

According to Ancel, the project’s three primary leaders—himself, the game’s art director, and its director—each had vastly different ideas for the game. While Ancel envisioned a sprawling space adventure, the art director was obsessed with redoing assets, and the game director pushed for procedurally generated dungeons. With no cohesive vision, the development team was left adrift, uncertain about who was truly in charge.

An Industry Giant Grapples with Chaos

Even the intervention of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot couldn’t steer the project back on course. According to Ancel, while Guillemot’s involvement helped briefly stabilize the team, the game director’s “stubbornness” persisted, exacerbating the issues. The result was a development cycle riddled with inefficiencies, repeated reworkings, and fluctuating priorities.

In a revealing statement, Ancel denied allegations that he was the primary source of the game’s tumult. “BG&E2 is the game on which I think I have never questioned a decision,” he said, countering claims from a 2020 report by French newspaper Libération that accused him of toxic leadership. Ancel admitted, however, that he bore some responsibility for failing to defend the project and to support the team effectively.

A Game Crippled by Technological Overreach

One of the major hurdles for Beyond Good & Evil 2 was its technological ambition. Unlike its predecessor, which benefited from a stable foundation, this sequel required cutting-edge tools and innovation. Ancel acknowledged the challenges of building a game with new technology, noting that it “exceeded many people at Ubisoft.” The steep learning curve added to the already chaotic atmosphere, with the team constantly grappling with the complexities of implementing their ambitious ideas.

Michel Ancel’s Burnout and Departure

Ancel’s eventual retirement in 2020 marked a turning point for both Beyond Good & Evil 2 and his other passion project, WiLD. The latter, a survival game developed under his independent studio Wild Sheep, was similarly plagued by delays and conflicting priorities. Initially announced in 2014, WiLD had a playable version by 2018 but faltered during an attempted upgrade from PS4 to PS5. Despite Sony’s generous offer to double Ubisoft’s budget, the game was ultimately shelved in 2020 after Ancel’s departure.

Ancel cited burnout as a major factor in stepping away from the industry, describing the handling of WiLD by Ubisoft as a “real scandal.” Without his leadership, both projects lost their momentum and were either significantly reworked or abandoned altogether.

A Culture of Turmoil at Ubisoft

The troubled development of Beyond Good & Evil 2 and WiLD coincided with broader issues at Ubisoft, including an internal investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct. This investigation implicated high-ranking executives like former editorial vice president Tommy François, who oversaw WiLD before being fired. Ancel referred to this period as the “beginning of the end” for both of his projects, with organizational instability compounding their struggles.

Where Does Beyond Good & Evil 2 Stand Today?

Despite its rocky history, Ubisoft confirmed in October 2024 that Beyond Good & Evil 2 remains in active development under yet another creative director. This announcement provides a glimmer of hope for fans, though many remain sceptical about the game’s eventual release.

The story of Beyond Good & Evil 2 serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the complexities of modern game development. With passionate creators, lofty ambitions, and a constantly evolving industry, even the most promising projects can become mired in conflict and uncertainty.