Beyond Good & Evil didn’t seem like too big a gamble for Ubisoft back in 2003. A solid team, creative art style, and robust world made the action title look like the perfect formula for success. However, even with an encouraging critical reception, the project failed to inspire enough sales to turn a profit. There just weren’t enough people interested in the tale of Jade and her uncle Pey'j to make the game a success, and unfortunately, that experience has made Ubisoft a bit hesitant to take creative risks.
Speaking with GameIndustry International, Child of Light creative director Patrick Plourde explained how one of the first things his bosses mentioned when he pitched his turn-based project was Beyond Good & Evil. Since they have to keep profits in the forefront of their minds, the executives are attempting to avoid another “mistake” when possible.
"If the game is a missed opportunity, then it's going to be a missed opportunity for years," Plourde said. "Even when I pitched Child of Light, they mentioned Beyond Good & Evil. They said 'Beyond Good & Evil was not a success, and we made that mistake once.' And it's like, yeah, but it's 10 years ago… If somebody tries something and fails, there are going to be repercussions for other people. For me it would be a shame if that happens. I don't think people are malevolent or evil about that. It's just if it fails, they're going to be careful greenlighting other projects like that."
Still, Child of Light got the go-ahead, and it seems like it might have even saved some jobs. What this news means for Beyond Good & Evil 2, though, is yet to be seen.
