Michel Ancel on Rayman’s Return and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown — Ubisoft Reaction Explained

Michel Ancel, the veteran French designer behind Rayman and Beyond Good & Evil, has publicly addressed recent coverage of his exit from Ubisoft and commented on two Ubisoft Montpellier projects: a new Rayman title and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Ancel left Ubisoft in 2020 to pursue personal projects and work with wildlife; his remarks arrive as both franchises remain active on platforms including the Nintendo Switch and across console and PC storefronts. Ancel took to social media to criticize how aspects of his departure were portrayed in the press and by internet personalities, arguing that some reports carried unfair tones. In his statement he also confirmed that he acted in a consulting capacity on a new Rayman project, saying he was pleased to have been consulted and that he is happy to see Rayman and his companions returning to Ubisoft’s lineup. On Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Ancel noted the team’s disappointment with the title’s commercial performance relative to expectations. He expressed hope the development team could regroup and earn a sequel, and emphasized that the success of such projects depends on fostering a strong collective within the studio. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and released on January 18, 2024, across multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Windows. Ubisoft Montpellier is also known for its long-running work on the Rayman franchise, which dates back to the original Rayman release in 1995 and includes later entries such as Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends, titles that have appeared on Nintendo platforms. Ancel concluded his remarks by saying he is returning to his personal projects and continued wildlife work, a move consistent with his 2020 decision to step away from full-time development. His recent comments offer direct insight from a prominent creator about internal studio dynamics, franchise stewardship, and the realities of modern game development at a major publisher. For Nintendo Switch owners and followers of Ubisoft’s output, the developments underline that Rayman remains an active intellectual property and that Ubisoft Montpellier continues to produce original IP like The Lost Crown. As always, readers should look to official Ubisoft announcements and verified sales reports for further details on studio staffing and franchise plans.