Ubisoft is exploring the possibility of rebooting the Rayman franchise, a spokesperson confirmed to MaagX. This follows earlier reports about a potential remake of the beloved platformer series.
Teams from Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan are collaborating on this exploration phase. Many members of the Montpellier team recently completed work on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, while the Milan team is known for its work on the Mario + Rabbids series, including the recent Rayman in the Phantom Show DLC.
The project is currently in its early stages. “We are pleased to confirm Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan have recently started an exploration phase on the Rayman brand. The project is still in its early stages, and we will share more details later,” the Ubisoft spokesperson stated.
Key art of a Rayman game from Ubisoft. He
Key Figures Involved in Rayman’s Potential Revival
Fawzi Mesmar, Ubisoft’s VP of Editorial since 2021, is involved in the project. Mesmar previously worked on Beyond Good & Evil 2. Notably, Rayman creator Michel Ancel is also contributing as a consultant. His involvement aims to maintain consistency within the Rayman universe. Ancel, who also worked on Beyond Good & Evil 2, left the gaming industry in 2020 to focus on a wildlife sanctuary. This return to the Rayman franchise comes after reports of an investigation into his management style during his time at Ubisoft, as reported by Kotaku (via French newspaper Libération).
From Rumors to Confirmation: The Future of Rayman
Ubisoft’s confirmation addresses earlier reports suggesting a Rayman remake was in development with members of the The Lost Crown team. MaagX previously confirmed that most developers at Ubisoft Montpellier working on The Lost Crown have transitioned to new projects. Insider Gaming reports these projects include Beyond Good & Evil 2, a new mainline Ghost Recon game, and the aforementioned Rayman remake.
Rayman’s Legacy and Ubisoft Montpellier
The Rayman series holds a significant place in Ubisoft Montpellier’s history, originating in 1995. Rayman Legends, the last main series entry, released in 2013. In recent years, the Rabbids have become the prominent face of related franchises, featuring in the Mario + Rabbids games and various spin-offs. This renewed focus on Rayman signals a potential return to the character’s platforming roots.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: RAYMAN DLC 3 Teaser | #UbiForward
This exploration phase suggests Ubisoft recognizes the enduring appeal of the Rayman franchise. While details remain scarce, the involvement of key figures like Mesmar and Ancel, combined with the expertise of both Ubisoft Montpellier and Milan, points to a promising future for the limbless hero.