Rayman Game: Ubisoft Teases New Game with Michel Ancel’s Involvement

Ubisoft has confirmed that a new Rayman game may be in the works, with original series creator Michel Ancel involved. This announcement follows reports that Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan are in an exploratory phase of a potential Rayman revival. Ubisoft’s statement highlights that Ancel is being consulted to maintain the authenticity and consistency of the iconic Rayman universe, despite his departure from the gaming industry in 2020.

Rayman Legends, the last major instalment, was released over a decade ago, in 2013. The franchise, which first launched in 1995, has seen tremendous success as a platformer across multiple generations of gaming consoles. From the Atari Jaguar and Sega Saturn to the PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, Rayman remains a beloved character for many.

Fans of Rayman, who have been waiting for news on the franchise’s future, will appreciate this potential revival. Ubisoft’s announcement came shortly after the disbandment of the Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown team, whose members were reportedly reassigned to other projects, including Beyond Good and Evil 2 and the unannounced Rayman project.

Michel Ancel’s Return

Ancel left Ubisoft and the gaming industry to pursue his passion for wildlife conservation in 2020. His return to consult on the Rayman brand brings excitement and a sense of continuity to the project, even though Ubisoft has not officially confirmed whether the new game will be a sequel, reboot, or remake.

However, Ancel’s involvement comes amid a complicated legacy. After his departure, reports surfaced about his involvement in creating a toxic workplace, which he has denied. Nevertheless, his creative genius with Rayman is indisputable, making him the ideal consultant for this new project.

The Legacy of Rayman

Rayman is a celebrated platformer franchise, known for its whimsical characters, colorful environments, and fluid gameplay. It set the standard for many 2D platformers and continues to have a loyal fanbase. The return of Rayman has been highly requested, especially as Ubisoft has seen success with other platformers like Mario + Rabbids, developed by Ubisoft Milan.

The last major Rayman game, Rayman Legends, released in 2013, received critical acclaim for its art design, level creativity, and refined gameplay mechanics. A definitive edition of Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, introducing the game to a new generation of players.

What’s Next for Rayman?

While details on the new Rayman project are sparse, fans are eager to learn more. With the involvement of Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan—two teams with a history of creating exceptional platformers—expectations are high for this new Rayman title. The development is still in its early stages, so fans will need to stay tuned for more updates.

Additionally, Ubisoft’s current financial challenges and ongoing rumours of a company takeover add uncertainty to the timeline of this new project. However, the company remains optimistic about its future, with upcoming titles like Assassin’s Creed and Beyond Good and Evil 2 generating anticipation.

As we wait for more concrete details, one thing is certain: the possibility of Rayman’s return has sparked excitement, and with Michel Ancel back in the mix, this potential project could be just what fans have been hoping for.