Beyond Good & Evil 2: Long Development and Troubling Times at Ubisoft Montpellier

The highly-anticipated game Beyond Good & Evil 2 may never reach completion if the latest news is any indication. Recent reports of mass layoffs and burnout among Ubisoft Montpellier's employees have put the game's development in limbo and have brought the studio into the spotlight of local authorities. In response, the French labor inspectorate has brought in an external observer to investigate the situation and gauge the well-being of the studio's employees. 

Former Studio Head Departs Amid Troubles

Adding to the strife is the recent departure of Guillaume Carmona, the head of Ubisoft Montpellier. Carmona had been with the company for two decades but had been on leave since late last year. His departure is a major setback for the studio, which has been struggling to finish the game since its initial reveal fifteen years ago. The absence of senior creative director Jean-Marc Geffroy and director Benjamin Dumaz does not help the situation either. 

Ubisoft Montpellier Assessing Work Conditions

Ubisoft Montpellier is reportedly continuing its work on a coherent vision of what the game should look like but is unable to choose a common direction due to the current troubles. In response, the company has initiated a process of assessing conditions to determine what additional support may be necessary. According to a spokesperson, "The health and well-being of our teams is a constant priority." 

The Tale of Two Troubled Titles

The struggles of Beyond Good & Evil 2 are only the latest in a long line of troubled titles from Ubisoft. The company is still trying to complete Skull & Bones after nearly a decade of development and has found itself in a similar situation with the game Duke Nukem Forever. With Ubisoft Montpellier's current troubles, Beyond Good & Evil 2 may never reach completion and join the ranks of such games. 

Bottom Line: Ubisoft Montpellier in Need of Support

The troubles at Ubisoft Montpellier have been well-documented, but the studio may still be able to complete the game if it receives the necessary support. As such, the fate of Beyond Good & Evil 2 lies in the hands of the French labor inspectorate and Ubisoft's own dedication to the well-being of its employees. For gamers everywhere, let's hope the studio can make it through these troubled times.