Prince Of Persia Sands Of Time Remake: NateTheHate Pushes Back On Game Awards Trailer

4 December 2025
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Prince Of Persia Sands Of Time Remake: NateTheHate Pushes Back On Game Awards Trailer

Summary:

Prince of Persia fans have spent the last few weeks living inside a tug of war between hype and caution. On one side sit reports from outlets such as Insider Gaming that point toward a mid January 2026 release window for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake and suggest that a fresh trailer is planned for The Game Awards 2025. On the other side, reliable insider NateTheHate has stepped in to pour cold water on those expectations, saying he doubts Ubisoft will actually bring the long delayed remake to Geoff Keighley’s stage this December. At the same time, a ten minute internal presentation for Ubisoft staff leaked online, briefly revealing updated gameplay, concept art and slides about the project before being pulled down, which naturally sent excitement through the roof again.

Put together, it creates a confusing moment for anyone who grew up running along the palace walls with the original Prince. Officially, Ubisoft still describes the remake as an active project targeting a broad 2026 window, with the development rebooted at Ubisoft Montreal after negative reception to the first version. Unofficially, leaks and insider chatter are filling the space where a clear marketing plan would normally sit. Here we walk through what Insider Gaming actually claimed, what NateTheHate pushed back against, how the rebooted development is progressing, what the internal video really says and what fans should realistically expect from The Game Awards and beyond.

Prince of Persia remake rumours collide ahead of The Game Awards

In the weeks leading up to The Game Awards 2025, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake has unexpectedly become one of the most talked about no shows that might happen. Several reports, podcasts and regional outlets have suggested that Ubisoft is finally ready to lift the curtain again, with a new trailer supposedly lined up for Geoff Keighley’s big end of year show and a release window set for mid January 2026. Those claims landed on an audience that has been starved for real news since the project’s reboot and combined nicely with the recent leak of an internal Ubisoft presentation that showed early gameplay and design slides. For a lot of players, that leak felt like proof that the remake is alive, moving forward and logically nearing a big public push.

At the same time, anyone who has followed the remake’s history knows how fragile expectations can be here. The game was first announced back in 2020 with a 2021 launch date, only to be delayed, moved between studios and eventually rebooted when footage landed poorly with fans. Ubisoft itself has repeatedly reminded people that the project needed time and that updates would only come when the team felt ready. That is why the current clash between optimistic reports and more cautious insider voices matters so much. It is not just about whether we see a two minute trailer on one December evening but about whether the story of this remake finally shifts from confusion to clarity.

How Insider Gaming raised expectations for a Game Awards trailer

The latest wave of excitement can be traced back largely to an exclusive report from Insider Gaming, which laid out a very specific picture of Ubisoft’s internal plans. According to that report, the Sands of Time Remake is now pencilled in for a mid January 2026 launch, fitting within Ubisoft’s broader promise that the project would arrive before the end of its 2025 2026 financial year. The same report suggested that the next proper look at the remake is “likely” to arrive at The Game Awards in December, positioning Keighley’s show as the natural place to drop a final or near final trailer and a firm release date. For fans used to vague reassurances and distant release windows, that kind of concrete timeline was easy to latch onto.

Insider Gaming’s track record on Ubisoft projects and remakes certainly gives its reporting weight, especially when it lines up with hints from financial documents and previous statements from the publisher. Ubisoft has already tied the remake to its fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, and has described development as progressing well after the reboot, so a January launch sits neatly in that window. When you slot a major trailer reveal into The Game Awards, the story sounds even cleaner. A splashy trailer in December leads into months of marketing beats and then a release that fills a quieter calendar gap at the start of the year. On paper, it feels like a strategy Ubisoft has used many times before, which helps explain why so many players started treating that scenario as almost guaranteed.

Why NateTheHate doubts a Sands of Time reveal at Geoff Keighley’s show

Into that rising tide of confidence stepped NateTheHate, a well known gaming insider and podcast host with a reputation for measured, accurate information. In a recent post, he said plainly that he does not think Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake will be shown at The Game Awards, directly contradicting the idea of a locked in December trailer. His wording is careful and not absolute, framing this stance as doubt rather than a hard denial, but given his history with Nintendo and third party leaks, many fans immediately took notice. Where some insiders happily ride the wave of speculation, Nate tends to under promise, so when he says something is unlikely, people listen.

His skepticism does not necessarily mean Insider Gaming is wrong about the release window or that Ubisoft has no plans for a major reveal. It might simply mean that internal discussions are still fluid, or that the publisher has changed course after the recent internal leak drew unexpected attention. It could also reflect information about the build’s readiness or about Ubisoft’s relationship with The Game Awards this year. Whatever the precise reason, Nate’s caution serves as an important counterweight to runaway hype. Instead of treating a Game Awards trailer as a certainty, his message nudges fans back toward a more realistic mindset: hope for good news, but do not assume anything until Ubisoft speaks for itself.

A remake with a long and messy road to a 2026 release window

To make sense of why insiders might disagree about something as basic as trailer timing, you have to remember just how turbulent this project’s history has been. The Sands of Time Remake began life at Ubisoft Pune and Ubisoft Mumbai, with a reveal trailer in 2020 that immediately drew criticism for its visuals and presentation. The reaction went far beyond the usual nitpicking over lighting or character models. A loud portion of the fanbase felt that the remake looked more like an upscaled remaster, and that the legendary original deserved a bigger production. Ubisoft first responded with relatively small delays, pushing the launch from January to March 2021, and then quickly pivoted to an indefinite delay that quietly admitted the project needed much more work.

Over time, that pause turned into a full reset. By 2022, Ubisoft announced that Ubisoft Montreal, the studio behind the original Sands of Time trilogy, would take over the remake. Official updates described the project as being in the early stages again, with the new team re evaluating design choices and production pipelines. In 2023 and 2024, Ubisoft repeated that the game was still alive and aiming at a 2026 window, while urging fans not to expect regular updates. That kind of reboot inevitably complicates any marketing roadmap. The usual rhythm of reveal, follow up trailers and launch windows got tossed aside in favor of a slower, more cautious approach. Against that backdrop, it becomes easier to see why one insider might hear that a big reveal is planned, while another hears that Ubisoft is still not ready to step back into the spotlight.

From 2020 reveal to delays, backlash and a full development reboot

The initial reveal trailer in 2020 was supposed to be a triumphant return for a classic franchise, but the reality was much harsher. Social media filled with side by side comparisons of the remake trailer and footage from the 2003 original, with many players arguing that the older game somehow looked more stylish and atmospheric. Instead of quietly riding out the criticism, Ubisoft responded quickly with an open letter explaining that the art direction was still evolving and that feedback was being taken seriously. Even so, that did little to calm the conversation. The project’s early days became synonymous with a broader frustration around rushed remakes and remasters that did not seem to justify their existence.

As months passed with little visible change, Ubisoft shifted from defending specific art decisions to fundamentally rethinking the project. The decision to move primary development to Ubisoft Montreal was more than a simple studio shuffle. It was a signal that the publisher understood the need to treat Sands of Time as a prestige project rather than a low key experiment. Montreal brought deeper experience with the Prince of Persia series itself and with modern action adventures in general. However, it also meant starting over in several areas, discarding work that had already been done and extending the timeline by years. That reset helps explain why the game is now attached to a 2026 window and why the publisher is hesitant to promise any specific reveal date until the team feels completely ready.

Ubisoft Montreal’s takeover and what that means for quality

When Ubisoft Montreal officially stepped in as the lead studio, it changed how many long term fans viewed the project. The team that once helped define Prince of Persia for a new generation was being asked to do it again, this time with modern expectations for fidelity and fluid combat. Montreal’s track record across Assassin’s Creed and other large projects shows that the studio understands cinematic action, traversal systems and world building at a high level. Moving the remake there also placed it within Ubisoft’s broader network of support studios, pipelines and internal technology, which should give the project more stability than it had during its first phase. That kind of move is not cheap or easy, so Ubisoft would not have done it unless it believed the remake deserved a stronger foundation.

Of course, a respected studio does not magically erase risk. Montreal has its own slate of projects and internal pressures, and picking up someone else’s partially complete project can be tricky. The internal presentation that recently leaked suggested that the team is focusing on reimagining character designs, refining movement and updating environments while still respecting the tone of the original. That is a delicate balancing act. Fans want the nostalgia hit that comes from familiar corridors and time bending puzzles, but they also expect the remake to feel modern under the thumbsticks. The fact that Ubisoft is still cautious about showing too much too soon hints that Montreal wants to avoid repeating the mistakes of the first reveal, even if that means passing up a flashy moment at The Game Awards.

What the internal presentation leak actually tells us about progress

The leaked internal presentation that recently hit the internet, before being swiftly removed, is the biggest unofficial look at Sands of Time Remake since the reboot. According to reports describing the footage, the video was created in early 2024 for Ubisoft employees and investors, not for the general public. It apparently showed motion capture sessions, early alpha gameplay slices, concept art and slides outlining design goals. While the quality of the footage varied, the important takeaway is that Ubisoft has a playable, internally presentable version of the remake. This is not a project that exists only on pitch decks anymore. It is being actively worked on, iterated and polished, even if the build is not yet ready for the kind of harsh spotlight a public trailer brings.

However, the nature of that leak also explains why Ubisoft might hesitate to rush a Game Awards reveal. Internal videos often show segments that are not meant to hold up under detailed frame by frame analysis, because they are designed to give colleagues a sense of direction rather than impress a mass audience. When snippets like that escape into public view, they can either raise excitement or reignite criticism, depending on how polished they look. Ubisoft has already lived through one cycle of backlash around Sands of Time’s visuals, so it has every incentive to make sure the next official trailer reflects the remake at something close to launch quality. If the internal presentation is still a bit rough around the edges, then skipping The Game Awards in favor of a later reveal might be the smarter play.

Trailer timing, January 2026 rumours and what still feels uncertain

Most of the recent trailer talk hangs on the idea that Ubisoft wants to line up a December 2025 reveal with a January 2026 release. From a marketing perspective, that rhythm has a nice simplicity to it. The Game Awards is one of the biggest stages of the year, pulling in millions of viewers across streaming platforms. Dropping a strong trailer there, complete with an exact release date and pre order details, would instantly put Sands of Time Remake back into the wider conversation. A January launch would then take advantage of a relatively quiet release window, giving the Prince some breathing room away from crowded autumn lineups and blockbuster competition.

But even if that remains the internal plan, there are many reasons why Ubisoft might decide to keep things flexible. Development timelines can slip, even late in production, and the company might not want to promise a date until it knows it can hit it without crunch. Corporate priorities can also change, especially for a publisher that is juggling other big releases such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows and new live service projects. If The Game Awards showcase is already packed, Ubisoft might prefer to hold a dedicated Prince of Persia spotlight or attach the trailer to another event it can control more tightly. In that context, NateTheHate’s cautious stance acts as a reminder that a rumoured plan is still just that – a plan that can change behind closed doors before anyone sees the end result.

What fans should realistically expect from The Game Awards 2025

So, where does that leave someone tuning into The Game Awards with Prince of Persia on their mind? The sensible approach is to treat a Sands of Time Remake trailer as a pleasant surprise rather than a guarantee. The recent leak proves that the project is alive and moving forward, and multiple reports now agree on a rough 2026 launch window, with January sitting near the front of that schedule. At the same time, Ubisoft’s own communication style around the remake has leaned toward caution and long gaps between updates. When you combine that with NateTheHate’s expectation that the game will not appear at the show, the picture becomes clear. Prince of Persia could show up, but there is a real chance it will not.

Managing that expectation can make the difference between enjoying The Game Awards and coming away frustrated. The show will feature many other reveals, world premieres and announcements across genres. If Ubisoft decides the time is right for Sands of Time, then fans will be thrilled to finally see how the rebooted project looks in motion. If not, knowing in advance that there were good reasons to be skeptical can soften the blow. Either way, the absence of a trailer in December would not mean the remake has been cancelled or even significantly delayed again. It would simply mean that Ubisoft still feels it needs more time before it invites the wider world back into the palace.

Why Ubisoft might choose a different stage for the big re-reveal

One detail that often gets overlooked is that publishers do not have to lean on The Game Awards for big reveals, even if it seems like every major trailer ends up there these days. Ubisoft has its own events, showcases and digital presentations, not to mention the option to drop a trailer on its official channels with only a few days of buildup. For a project that has already been publicly criticized once and then rebooted, controlling the environment of the reveal might matter more than sharing a stage with dozens of other announcements. A dedicated Ubisoft stream focused on Prince of Persia, or a themed segment celebrating the franchise’s history, would allow the team to provide context, developer commentary and extended gameplay without racing the clock.

There is also the simple reality that The Game Awards can be a tough crowd. Viewers react instantly on social media, pulling apart every frame, while dozens of other reveals compete for attention in the same evening. If Ubisoft believes that the remake’s strengths show better in a longer format or that it needs room to explain design choices, then a quieter but more focused showcase could be the right call. From that angle, NateTheHate’s doubt about a Game Awards appearance is not a sign of trouble but a hint that Ubisoft might be thinking more strategically this time. The company has already learned the hard way what happens when a Prince of Persia trailer lands before it is truly ready. It would be understandable if the team insists on a reveal where it holds all the cards.

Managing expectations when insiders and leakers disagree

When two well known sources appear to clash, it can be tempting to pick a side and declare one of them “right” before anything happens. In reality, both Insider Gaming and NateTheHate could be working from solid information that simply reflects different moments or perspectives inside Ubisoft. Plans change, especially for a project with a long and rocky history, and even internal schedules are rarely fixed until marketing assets are locked in. One contact might be speaking from a plan drafted months ago, while another has heard about more recent doubts or reshuffles. Fans on the outside only see the end result, so it makes sense to treat all unconfirmed talk as a snapshot rather than a final verdict.

The healthiest way to navigate that noise is to treat insiders as useful but imperfect signals. They can highlight where to keep an eye, hint at internal priorities and help explain why certain decisions make sense. What they cannot do is replace official announcements. For Prince of Persia, that means remembering that Ubisoft’s own statements about a 2026 window and ongoing development carry the most weight. Everything else, from trailer rumours to leaked internal videos, lives in a grayer zone. It is entertaining to speculate, and insiders often steer that speculation in smarter directions, but pinning your hopes on any specific show or date will always be a gamble.

What a successful Sands of Time Remake needs to deliver for fans

Stepping back from the calendar drama, it is worth asking what really matters once Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake finally lands in players’ hands. At the top of the list is respect for the original’s spirit. The 2003 game earned its place in history with precise platforming, satisfying combat that rewarded timing over button mashing and a warm, storybook tone that set it apart from grittier contemporaries. Any remake that strips away that charm in pursuit of generic modern trends would miss the point. Instead, fans are hoping for sharper visuals, more expressive animations and richer environments that enhance the mood of the palace without turning it into something unrecognisable.

Beneath that surface layer, the remake needs to feel good to play on modern hardware. Camera controls, input latency and encounter design all have to meet current expectations, especially if Ubisoft wants the project to stand next to other action adventures released in 2025 and 2026. The recent internal leak suggests that the team is rethinking character designs and animations, which is a good sign as long as the Prince and Farah remain recognisable. Finally, technical stability will be crucial. After years of delays and skepticism, the last thing this project can afford is a launch plagued by bugs or performance issues. If Ubisoft and Ubisoft Montreal can clear those hurdles, then it may not matter exactly which show or trailer first brings the remake back into the light. What will matter most is that, when players pick up the controller, it feels like the Prince they remember, reborn with care rather than rushed for a marketing beat.

Conclusion

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake sits at an awkward crossroads where official caution, insider reports and leaks all collide. Insider Gaming and others paint a picture of a game aiming for a mid January 2026 launch, which fits neatly inside Ubisoft’s public 2026 window and makes a Game Awards trailer sound perfectly logical. At the same time, NateTheHate’s doubts about a December reveal remind everyone that internal plans can shift, especially for a project that has already restarted once and carries the weight of a beloved classic on its shoulders. The leaked internal presentation confirms that the remake is very real and progressing, but it does not guarantee that the build is ready for the harsh spotlight of a mass audience just yet.

For fans, the best move is to hold excitement for Sands of Time Remake steady without tying it to a single show or date. If Ubisoft brings the Prince to The Game Awards, it will be a welcome moment that finally shows how far the project has come under Ubisoft Montreal. If the publisher waits for another stage, that can be a sign of care rather than cause for alarm. After all the delays and resets, this remake has one chance to win back trust. Wherever the curtain finally lifts, what truly counts is that the Prince returns in a form that feels worthy of his legacy, not that he appears on a particular December night because rumours said he would.

FAQs
  • Is Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake confirmed for a 2026 release?
    • Ubisoft has publicly tied the Sands of Time Remake to a broad 2026 release window, framing it as part of the company’s line up for the fiscal year that ends on March 31, 2026. Financial reports and investor materials describe the remake as an important title in that period, although no exact launch date has been officially announced yet.
  • Did Insider Gaming really say the remake would appear at The Game Awards?
    • Insider Gaming reported that sources close to the project expect a new look at Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake at The Game Awards 2025 and pointed to a mid January 2026 release target. The wording leaves room for plans to change, but the report clearly framed a Game Awards trailer as the most likely next step in Ubisoft’s marketing plans for the remake.
  • What exactly did NateTheHate say about the Game Awards trailer rumours?
    • NateTheHate stated that he does not think the remake will be shown at The Game Awards, directly countering the idea that a trailer is locked in for the show. He framed his stance as doubt rather than a hard denial, but his reputation for accurate information has led many fans to treat his comments as a serious reason to temper expectations for a December reveal.
  • What was shown in the leaked internal Ubisoft presentation?
    • The internal presentation, created in early 2024 and later leaked online, reportedly included motion capture footage, early alpha gameplay segments, concept art and slides outlining design goals for the Sands of Time Remake. It was intended for internal audiences, which means it highlighted progress and direction rather than polished, trailer ready footage.
  • Why was development of the Sands of Time Remake rebooted?
    • After the 2020 reveal trailer drew strong criticism for its visuals and overall presentation, Ubisoft delayed the game several times and ultimately shifted primary development to Ubisoft Montreal. The publisher described this move as a chance to rethink and rebuild the remake, with the goal of delivering an experience that better reflects the legacy of the original Sands of Time while meeting modern expectations for quality.
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