Davide Soliani Leaves Ubisoft After 25 Years — Mario + Rabbids Creative Director Departs
Davide Soliani, the creative director best known for his work on the Mario + Rabbids series, has announced he is leaving Ubisoft after a 25-year career.
Soliani led the teams behind Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and its sequel Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, both developed for the Nintendo Switch in collaboration with Nintendo and Ubisoft studios.
Kingdom Battle launched in 2017 and Sparks of Hope released in October 2022, marking major entries in Ubisoft's portfolio for the Switch.
Background and franchise context
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, introduced an unexpected crossover of Nintendo's Mario universe and Ubisoft's Rabbids in a turn-based tactical format.
The sequel, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, arrived for Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2022.
Both titles were developed by Ubisoft in partnership with Nintendo and involved Ubisoft Milan among other Ubisoft teams.
The series received positive critical attention for its gameplay and design.
Soliani's departure and public statement
In a social media announcement, Soliani confirmed his departure from Ubisoft after 25 years, noting that 11 of those years were spent working closely with Nintendo on the Mario + Rabbids projects and engaging with the player community.
He also expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, Nintendo partners, and the fanbase for their support and collaboration during his tenure.
Rewriting notable remarks in journalistic language
Soliani said he has decided to leave Ubisoft to pursue a new professional chapter, and he thanked teammates and players for their support and contributions throughout his time on the franchise.
When reflecting on the series' development milestones, he conveyed sincere appreciation for the partnership with Nintendo and the community that followed the games.
Reception and commercial notes
Both Mario + Rabbids titles were well received by critics and players.
Ubisoft leadership has stated that Sparks of Hope did not meet the companys commercial expectations, with CEO Yves Guillemot suggesting the launch timing may have affected performance.
The series remains a notable instance of third-party collaboration on the Nintendo Switch.
What this means for Nintendo and Ubisoft
Soliani leaves behind a clear creative legacy on the Mario + Rabbids brand and on Ubisofts work for Nintendo platforms.
His departure will be watched by industry observers given his role in shaping a high-profile Switch exclusive collaboration.
No new role or employer has been announced by Soliani at this time.
Davide Soliani, the creative director best known for his work on the Mario + Rabbids series, has announced he is leaving Ubisoft after a 25-year career.
Soliani led the teams behind Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and its sequel Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, both developed for the Nintendo Switch in collaboration with Nintendo and Ubisoft studios.
Kingdom Battle launched in 2017 and Sparks of Hope released in October 2022, marking major entries in Ubisoft's portfolio for the Switch.
Background and franchise context
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, introduced an unexpected crossover of Nintendo's Mario universe and Ubisoft's Rabbids in a turn-based tactical format.
The sequel, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, arrived for Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2022.
Both titles were developed by Ubisoft in partnership with Nintendo and involved Ubisoft Milan among other Ubisoft teams.
The series received positive critical attention for its gameplay and design.
Soliani's departure and public statement
In a social media announcement, Soliani confirmed his departure from Ubisoft after 25 years, noting that 11 of those years were spent working closely with Nintendo on the Mario + Rabbids projects and engaging with the player community.
He also expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, Nintendo partners, and the fanbase for their support and collaboration during his tenure.
Rewriting notable remarks in journalistic language
Soliani said he has decided to leave Ubisoft to pursue a new professional chapter, and he thanked teammates and players for their support and contributions throughout his time on the franchise.
When reflecting on the series' development milestones, he conveyed sincere appreciation for the partnership with Nintendo and the community that followed the games.
Reception and commercial notes
Both Mario + Rabbids titles were well received by critics and players.
Ubisoft leadership has stated that Sparks of Hope did not meet the companys commercial expectations, with CEO Yves Guillemot suggesting the launch timing may have affected performance.
The series remains a notable instance of third-party collaboration on the Nintendo Switch.
What this means for Nintendo and Ubisoft
Soliani leaves behind a clear creative legacy on the Mario + Rabbids brand and on Ubisofts work for Nintendo platforms.
His departure will be watched by industry observers given his role in shaping a high-profile Switch exclusive collaboration.
No new role or employer has been announced by Soliani at this time.
