Ubisoft Explains Why It’s Remaking the Newest Rayman Game Instead of a Classic

For Ubisoft, the decision-making process was a multifaceted calculation. In a discussion with Polygon leading up to the announcement of Retold, brand manager Loïc Gounon clarified why the development team prioritized Legends over the series’ debut outing. The logic, it turns out, is rooted more in developer strategy than consumer demand.

Whispers of a potential Rayman revival began to surface in 2024. The speculation intensified to the point where Ubisoft confirmed that a new project was in an exploratory phase across their Milan and Montpellier studios, with series architect Michel Ancel offering creative guidance. This initiative was never just about a singular remake; it was about defining a “new era” for the entire franchise.

“As we kick off this fresh chapter for Rayman, we knew there would be subsequent games,” Gounon explained. “Our goal is to permanently revitalize the brand. We held internal discussions to determine the most effective way to reintroduce the franchise—not just choosing which game to polish, but how to authentically ‘remake’ the property. We want to engage a broader audience, reconnect with legacy fans, and embark on a completely new adventure.”

The team aimed for a shift in tone and a transition to 3D art, but above all, they demanded a benchmark of high quality. Maintaining that standard within strict production timelines is a daunting task.

“We had to consider what was achievable within our timeframe while remaining qualitative enough to satisfy our fans and capture new ones,” said Gounon. “That naturally pointed us toward Legends. It represents the richest iteration of the Rayman universe, featuring the most expansive cast. When you’re relaunching a brand, you don’t necessarily start with the original; you want the ensemble—Rayman, Globox, Grand Minimus, Barbara, and Bubble Dreamer acting as the narrator. That creative vision is exactly what led us to Rayman Legends Retold.”

From a commercial perspective, the logic is sound: take the most modern, mechanically sound entry and rebuild it using Ubisoft’s cutting-edge Snowdrop engine. This empowers the Milan and Montpellier teams to overhaul the aesthetics while injecting fresh content. However, given that Legends is the fifth installment in a series where older titles are difficult to play, some might wonder if remaking Rayman Origins would have been a more logical entry point. The developers, however, felt that would have been redundant.

“Origins was, in many ways, an ambitious reimagining of the first Rayman, whereas Legends represented the next logical evolution,” Gounon noted. “It stands as the most modern version in terms of world-building. Furthermore, we identified areas in Legends that were ripe for improvement—the painting-gallery navigation, for instance, and a narrative conclusion that felt disjointed. Despite its brilliance, we knew we could elevate the experience further.”

This philosophy defines the core of Rayman Legends Retold. It isn’t just a remaster; it is a substantial reimagining that adds narrative depth. Expect a revamped finale and 3D “Dragon Ride” sequences that bridge the gap between worlds, transforming a collection of levels into a cohesive, cinematic experience.

There is also a practical reality at play: the original developers have largely moved on, either leaving the company or shifting focus to titles like Beyond Good and Evil 2. For Ubisoft, this remake serves as a “training ground,” allowing a new generation of developers to master the nuances of the IP before tackling an entirely new project.

“I look at companies like Capcom and Nintendo,” Gounon added. “They often use side projects or remakes to train teams, allowing them to learn the franchise’s soul before they take on the next big thing. A project like this is an excellent way to get new talent up to speed on what makes a Rayman game feel special.”

Gounon is clearly dedicated to raising the bar for the series. Citing Super Mario Bros. Wonder as a benchmark of modern excellence, he wants Rayman to stand alongside current genre leaders rather than rely solely on nostalgia. Yet, he maintains a deep respect for the roots of the genre.

“To me, the golden age of platformers was that early PS2-era—Rayman 2, Jak and Daxter, Mario 64. I truly believe we have yet to surpass the ambition seen in those games. By looking back, we see the potential to create even more daring platformers in the future.”

Rayman Legends Retold is slated for release on October 1 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.

Source: Polygon