Get ready to dive into a gaming experience like no other—because Davide Soliani, the mastermind behind the beloved Mario + Rabbids series, has just unveiled his newest creation, Bradley the Badger, and it’s already sparking excitement and curiosity. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just another platformer; it’s a meta-narrative adventure that blends classic gameplay with fresh, innovative twists, all while exploring the unfinished work of its creator. And yes, Marvel’s Evan Peters is voicing the titular badger—talk about a surprise! But here’s the controversial part: is this game a genius homage to gaming culture, or does it risk feeling like a patchwork of references? Let’s break it down.
Revealed during The Game Awards 2025, Bradley the Badger is Soliani’s first project since parting ways with Ubisoft after 25 years and founding Day 4 Night Studios. Teaming up with Christian Cantamessa, the lead designer and writer behind Red Dead Redemption, Soliani has assembled a dream team of industry veterans, including former Ubisoft talents Cristina Nava, Gian Marco Zanna, and Luca Breda. Together, they’ve crafted a game that feels like a love letter to creativity, career struggles, and the magic of game development.
In Bradley the Badger, players step into the paws of a video game mascot navigating through unfinished, work-in-progress worlds. Armed with an in-game Developer Kit, you’ll traverse environments that pay homage to modern gaming icons like Bloodborne, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Last of Us. But this is the part most people miss: the game isn’t just about platforming—it’s a meta-narrative that explores the highs and lows of artistic journeys, complete with live-action scenes that frame your progress as you help Bradley’s creator overcome their own creative blocks. It’s a bold move, and one that could either resonate deeply or feel overly ambitious.
According to the official description, Bradley the Badger is ‘a love letter to games, creativity, and everyone who has ever felt stuck in their career or artistic journey.’ It promises to expand beyond the screen with live-action moments that delve into tropes, genres, and styles from contemporary media. But does this blend of gameplay and meta-storytelling risk alienating players who just want a straightforward platformer? Or will it set a new standard for narrative innovation?
Soliani’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring. His emotional reaction to the warm reception of Mario + Rabbids at E3 2017 became an internet sensation, cementing his status as a lovable figure in the industry. Yet, his departure from Ubisoft in 2024, following the release of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, raised eyebrows. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot later admitted the game was rushed to launch instead of waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2—a decision that sparked debates about timing and ambition in game development. Was Soliani’s exit a result of creative differences, or was it simply time for him to pursue his own vision?
In his own words, Soliani describes Bradley the Badger as ‘a reflection of everything I’ve ever wanted to experience as a player—joy, adventure, poetry, action, wonder, and the pleasure of working with friends.’ It’s a project that feels deeply personal, a ‘lullaby for the soul’ and a celebration of the industry’s magic and madness. But as players, do we want a lullaby, or are we craving something more adrenaline-fueled?
As we eagerly await more details, one thing’s for sure: Bradley the Badger is shaping up to be a game that challenges conventions and invites discussion. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out all the announcements from The Game Awards 2025 and let us know—are you excited for Soliani’s new venture, or do you think it’s biting off more than it can chew? Sound off in the comments below!
