Ubisoft Confirms Development of New Rayman Game with Creator Michel Ancel Involvement

In a move that has excited fans of the iconic platforming series, Ubisoft has confirmed that it is actively exploring the development of a new Rayman game, with the legendary creator Michel Ancel involved in the project. This announcement comes after considerable speculation about the future of the Rayman franchise, which has not seen a new installment since 2013's Rayman Legends.

Ubisoft's statement, received by gaming news outlets, indicates that both Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan are working together during the exploration phase of the project. An insider within the company noted that this endeavor is in its very early stages, with more information expected to be shared soon.

“We are pleased to confirm Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan have recently started an exploration phase on the Rayman brand,” a representative from Ubisoft stated. This quote reflects their intent to breathe new life into the franchise that enjoyed significant popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The genesis of this new project is particularly noteworthy given that previous teams were disbanded after working on Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The report suggests that these developers have been reassigned, with some shifting focus toward notable projects like the much-anticipated Beyond Good and Evil 2 and even an unannounced Rayman remake.

A significant aspect of this new Rayman game is the involvement of Michel Ancel, the original creator of the Rayman series, who left Ubisoft amid personal controversies in 2020. Despite these issues, Ubisoft has indicated that he is being consulted to maintain consistency within the creative direction of the universe.

During his tenure at Ubisoft, Ancel oversaw the growth of Rayman, establishing it as a beloved franchise with history dating back to 1995. The series has thrived across multiple gaming platforms, impressing players with its fiery colors, quirky characters, and ingenious level designs.

Ancel's departure from the firm to pursue other interests has left a gap in the industry, yet his return for this project signifies the company's commitment to preserving and revitalizing its storied franchises. Ubisoft has not disclosed specifics about the new game's mechanics, setting, or release timeline.

As the gaming world awaits the unveiling of more details, fans of Rayman are hopeful that this renewal will capture the spirit of the classic platformers while introducing fresh innovations for a modern audience. The anticipation surrounding this project is palpable, especially given Rayman's long-standing legacy.

Ubisoft, which has been under scrutiny lately due to various internal issues and rumors of a potential takeover, is positioned to potentially enhance its portfolio with this new title. The release of Rayman could reinvigorate the dormant fanbase, and developer efforts are still concentrated on external projects like the aforementioned Beyond Good and Evil 2 alongside their recent expansion within the Mario franchise through collaborations with Nintendo.

As we look toward the future, the return of Rayman under the guidance of its original creator holds great promise, and it remains to be seen how Ubisoft will navigate the development process amidst its broader challenges.

We at IGN will be monitoring this situation closely and will provide updates as more information surfaces regarding the new Rayman game. The community is curious to see how Ubisoft will implement Ancel's vision and deliver an experience that resonates with both new players and long-time fans alike.

Kat Bailey is IGN's News Director who covers various developments in the gaming ecosystem. Follow her for updates on future game releases and industry news.