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Prince of Persia (video game series)

Prince of Persia is a video game franchise created by Jordan Mechner and originally launched in 1989.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Prince of Persia is a video game franchise created by Jordan Mechner and originally launched in 1989. The series centers on action-adventure games featuring different incarnations of the Prince in settings inspired by ancient and medieval Persia. Ubisoft acquired the franchise rights in 2001 and later expanded it with new entries, including The Sands of Time and The Lost Crown.

Origins

The series started in 1989 with Prince of Persia, a game created by Jordan Mechner and published by Brøderbund. The original title became known for its cinematic animation and platform gameplay.

Ubisoft era

Ubisoft acquired the franchise rights in 2001 and rebooted it with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time in 2003. That reboot led to a new run of titles across home consoles and PC.

Gameplay and themes

Prince of Persia games are generally action-adventure titles with platforming elements. They are typically set in stylized versions of Persia and often feature acrobatic movement, combat, and fantasy elements.

Later releases

After The Forgotten Sands in 2010, the series saw a long gap before Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown in 2024. Ubisoft has also released spin-offs and mobile entries over time.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the original Prince of Persia in 1989 for the Apple II.
  • Jordan Mechner created the series and Brøderbund published the earliest games.
  • Ubisoft acquired the franchise rights in 2001.
  • The 2003 release Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time rebooted the series.
  • Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was released in January 2024 as the first major new installment since 2010.
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Canadian context

Prince of Persia has been widely available in Canada through major console, PC, and digital releases, including Ubisoft-published entries on Canadian retail and storefront markets.

Frequently asked questions

Who created Prince of Persia?
The series was created by Jordan Mechner.
When did the series begin?
It began in 1989 with the original Prince of Persia.
Who owns the franchise now?
Ubisoft acquired the franchise rights in 2001.
What was the reboot of the series?
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, released in 2003, rebooted the franchise.
What is the latest major game in the series?
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, released in 2024.
What kind of game series is it?
It is an action-adventure franchise with strong platforming elements.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Persia
    Supports: Creator, original release, Ubisoft acquisition, reboot, and later major series entries.
  2. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Prince-of-Persia
    Supports: Series origin, original developer, genre, and Ubisoft-era releases.
  3. Ubisofthttps://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/prince-of-persia
    Supports: Ubisoft's handling of the franchise and the series' anniversary framing.
  4. Radio Timeshttps://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/prince-of-persia-games-order/
    Supports: Release order of major games and sequence of entries.