Gaming News
Beyond Good & Evil 2 Still in Pre-Production After 18 Years
Developing
Photo: wccftech.com (from the cited article) All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 4 events, drawn from 6 sources.
“I don't think we'll ever pinpoint the root cause of BGE2's problems while the project is still active, whether it gets released or not,”
via wccftech.com
Our take
The report's claim that a game in development since 2008 is still in pre-production challenges the industry's standard development timelines. With 250 staff at Ubisoft Montpellier and a shift to a 'solo-first' design, the project's upcoming gate is a critical test of whether Ubisoft can finalize its vision or if the 'poison' of perpetual pre-production will lead to cancellation.
Background
Beyond Good & Evil 2 was first teased by Ubisoft in 2008, holding the record for the longest game in development. The game was officially presented at E3 2017 as a prequel and spiritual successor to the 2003 original, set in the System 3 star system where players rise from pirate to space legend.
Ubisoft's official page still describes it as an action-adventure RPG with a seamless online world, though recent reports suggest the design has shifted significantly.
The project has undergone multiple design pivots, moving from large multiplayer spaces inspired by Fortnite and Destiny to a 'solo-first' adventure with optional co-op. The game utilizes the Voyager engine, which originally supported small-group matchmaking. Despite being in development for nearly two decades, the project has not yet entered full production, a status confirmed by recent reports from French outlet Origami, which spoke with people close to development.
The timeline
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Origami report reveals BG&E2 is still in pre-production
French outlet Origami published a report stating that Beyond Good & Evil 2 has not yet begun full production. According to the report, the project is in pre-production involving at least 250 people at Ubisoft Montpellier and is currently aiming to move into alpha. The report notes that the 'gate' the project is pursuing is the transition to production, where the game's framework is finalized.[1]
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Sources cite 'complete loss of understanding' for development delays
The Origami report attributes the project's stagnation to a 'complete loss of understanding of what this project should be.' The report reportedly describes the game as being stuck on an 'endless highway' for over a decade, with management repeatedly moving the goalposts regarding the game's vision, innovation, and combat systems.[2]
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Gameplay shifts to 'solo-first' adventure with Spider-Man-like combat
According to the report, the game's gameplay has shifted again to a 'solo-first' adventure without mandatory online connection, featuring strong story-driven content playable in co-op. The combat system is described as being reminiscent of Insomniac's Spider-Man games, a departure from earlier iterations that focused on multiplayer and open-ended play.[2]
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Staff fear cancellation amid Ubisoft restructuring
The report states that some staff members reportedly fear the upcoming review could be the last, potentially leading to cancellation due to Ubisoft's major restructuring. While the game is reportedly described as 'impossible to be cancelled' by some insiders, others reportedly note that employees are being told the outcome is uncertain, contrasting with previous firm assurances of support.[1]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. All four timeline events rest solely on reports from insider-gaming.com and wccftech.com, with no primary source confirmation. The outlets cite unnamed sources describing development status and internal concerns, but there is no indication that Ubisoft or other parties commented on the record. The project's goal to pass a development gate and enter alpha remains pending per the Origami report.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
What happens next
The project is aiming to pass a development gate to move into alpha and full production, according to the Origami report.
Frequently asked
Is Beyond Good & Evil 2 cancelled?
No, the game has not been cancelled. According to the Origami report, the project is still active with at least 250 people working on it, though some staff fear cancellation due to Ubisoft's restructuring. The report describes the situation as concern over an upcoming decision rather than a decision already made.
What stage is Beyond Good & Evil 2 in?
According to the Origami report, the game is still in pre-production. The report states that 'production of BGE2 has not yet begun' and that the project is now aiming to move into alpha, which is the gate for transitioning to full production.
How many people are working on Beyond Good & Evil 2?
At least 250 people are working on the game at Ubisoft Montpellier alone, according to the Origami report. The report notes that this is the number involved in the current pre-production phase.
Has the gameplay of Beyond Good & Evil 2 changed?
Yes, the gameplay has shifted to a 'solo-first' adventure without mandatory online connection, according to the report. This is a change from earlier versions that focused on large multiplayer spaces and matchmade groups, with the combat system now described as reminiscent of Spider-Man games.
Why is Beyond Good & Evil 2 taking so long?
The report cites a 'complete loss of understanding of what this project should be' and management repeatedly moving the goalposts. The project has been in development since 2008, with the report describing it as being stuck on an 'endless highway' for over a decade.
More related drama (4)
Sources (6)
- insider-gaming.com, Beyond Good and Evil 2 Still in Early Pre-Production After Nearly 20 Years, It's Claimed, Oct 21, 2026.
- wccftech.com, Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil 2 Shifts Again To A Solo Adventure With Spider-Man Combat, Yet Still Lacks Clear Identity, Oct 21, 2026.
- powerupgaming.co.uk, Beyond Good & Evil 2 Still Not in Full Production After Nearly 20 Years, Oct 21, 2026.
- gameranx.com, Rumor: 250 People Are Making Beyond Good & Evil 2 In "Pre-Production", Nearly Twenty Years Later, Oct 21, 2026.
- Youtube (original post).
- Youtube (original post).
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 4 dated events from 6 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Beyond Good & Evil 2 Still in Pre-Production After 18 Years.”
GenZHype, 21 October 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/beyond-good-evil-2-still-in-pre-production-after-18-years/.