Another classic 2D platformer that helped pave the way for today’s platformer renaissance — including modern hits like Hollow Knight: Silksong — was Ubisoft’s Rayman. Originally released in 1995 on the Atari Jaguar before making its way to the Sega Saturn, MS-DOS, and PlayStation, Rayman quickly distinguished itself from its peers. The series earned widespread acclaim for its lush, hand-painted visuals, richly immersive atmosphere, and standout soundtrack.
Three decades later, the franchise has returned in a major way with Rayman: 30th Anniversary, now available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The celebratory release includes multiple versions of the original 1995 title, a never-before-playable prototype, and an interactive documentary, the latter of which includes more than 50 minutes of new interviews with the original development team, rare concept art, early sketches, and design documents that reveal how the limbless, helicopter-haired hero first came to life.
According to Ubisoft co-founder and CEO Yves Guillemot, this anniversary edition is only the beginning.
“Rayman is a landmark franchise for Ubisoft and holds a special place in my heart because it played such a key role in Ubisoft’s early evolution,” Guillemot said in a recent interview with Variety.
He described Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition as “the first step in the brand’s comeback,” adding that “it is inspiring to see players continue to embrace Rayman’s unique charm and enduring appeal.”
While Guillemot stopped short of revealing specific plans for future installments, he hinted that more could be on the horizon. “As for what’s next for Rayman, we’re always exploring how our iconic franchises can evolve and reinvent themselves for all generations of players,” he said. “We can’t share details today, but we’re looking forward to talking more about Rayman soon.”
If you’re anything like us, and Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition rekindled your love for one of Ubisoft’s defining mascots (and an iconic platform gaming character), then there’s plenty of reason to feel optimistic about what lies ahead. What do you think Ubisoft should do for a Rayman revival? Let us know in the comments.
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