Ubisoft Milan's Next Chapter: From Mario to Star Wars and Beyond

The final DLC for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is set to release this month, marking the return of a beloved character, Rayman, to the scene. This new content, titled Rayman in the Phantom Show, holds significant sentimental value for the team at Ubisoft Milan. According to producer Cristina Nava, this marks a full-circle moment for the team, as they revisit their roots. Ubisoft Milan was initially involved in the development of a Rayman game for the Game Boy Color over 23 years ago, and many of the original team members, including creative director Davide Soliani, art director Mauro Perini, and lead artist Fabrizio Von Stibiel, are still part of the team today. The studio has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from a mere 35 people to over 160, yet it has managed to retain much of its original core. This stability is credited by managing director Dario Migliavacca as a key factor behind the team's distinctive style and approach to game development. The team's emphasis on craftsmanship, passion, and a hands-on approach to creating game elements, such as puppets and concept art, sets them apart. Their unique blend of Italian flair and global collaboration has resulted in games like Mario + Rabbids, which boasts a style and humor distinct from other Ubisoft titles. As Ubisoft Milan wraps up its work on Mario + Rabbids, the team is shifting its focus to new projects, including support for Massive's ambitious Star Wars Outlaws. The opportunity to work on such a high-profile IP is met with excitement and a willingness to learn and experiment. Despite the challenges, the team is eager to contribute to the Star Wars universe while continuing to develop their own unique, lighthearted, and family-friendly games. As Nava puts it, the end of one adventure marks the beginning of another, and the team is already looking to the future, with new projects in the works.