Rayman turns 30 this year, and the celebration appears imminent. Australia’s Classification Board quietly rated Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on January 22, 2026. The surprise listing lists Atari as developer and publisher with U&I Entertainment as applicant, sparking immediate speculation about its connection to leaked Ubisoft projects.
The Rating Details
The Australian Classification entry confirms Rayman 30th Anniversary Edition targets PS5 and Switch platforms. Atari appears as both developer and publisher, while U&I Entertainment handled the submission. This setup mirrors recent physical releases like The Rogue Prince of Persia and Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection where Atari handled classic IP revivals.
Notably absent from listings: Xbox platforms and PC. The classification suggests console-focused physical editions with digital versions likely following. M rating indicates mature content handling typical for remasters preserving original violence and humor.
Connection to Project Iceman
Tom Henderson’s recent Insider Gaming podcast revelation perfectly aligns with the timing. He detailed two Rayman projects: Iceman launching “very, very soon” for the 30th anniversary, followed by Steambot – the rumored Rayman Legends remake. The Anniversary Edition rating matches Iceman’s profile as a commemorative quick-release title.
Henderson clarified Iceman stands alone, not part of a remastered trilogy. This rules out comprehensive collections spanning Rayman 1-3. Instead, fans speculate focused packages highlighting franchise highlights or Game Boy origins given Atari’s portable legacy.
What Could It Contain?
Speculation runs wild across gaming forums, but several packages emerge as frontrunners:
- Game Boy Focus: Original Rayman plus Game Boy Color edition with enhancements
- 2D Platformer Collection: Rayman 1 remake alongside Origins/Legends highlights
- Definitive Original: Fully rebuilt 1995 Rayman with modern controls and widescreen
- Handheld Legacy: Game Boy, GBA, DS Rayman titles unified package
Atari’s involvement suggests ports/remasters rather than new development. Their recent successes reviving Asteroids and Lunar Lander demonstrate competency handling 90s platformers.
Ubisoft’s Parallel Development
While Atari handles anniversary duties, Ubisoft pursues ambitious projects. Montpellier and Milan studios confirmed active Rayman exploration with Michel Ancel consulting for universe consistency. Project Steambot job listings sought 3D animators for “prestigious AAA” title, fueling Legends remake speculation.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown developers shifted to Rayman after sequel cancellation due to disappointing sales. The timing positions Anniversary Edition as immediate celebration bridging to Ubisoft’s larger efforts. Both projects reportedly survived January 2026 cancellations that claimed Prince of Persia remake.
Perfect 30th Anniversary Timing
Rayman launched September 1, 1995, positioning September 2026 as prime reveal window. Nintendo Switch 2 launch rumors align perfectly with dual-platform rating. PS5 inclusion follows Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy success with Pentiment and Grounded.
Ubisoft’s restructuring prioritized proven IPs. Rayman Legends sold nearly 5 million copies despite Wii U launch. Origins demonstrated 2D platformer viability. Lost Crown proved Metroidvania demand despite sales shortfalls.
| Milestone | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rayman Original | Sep 1, 1995 | Franchise birth, PS1 classic |
| Rayman Legends | Sep 13, 2013 | 5M sales, co-op perfection |
| 30th Anniversary | Sep 2026 | Rating confirms celebration |
Atari’s Role Explained
Atari specializes reviving dormant IPs outside core catalog. Recent partnerships include Limited Run physical editions and Digital Eclipse emulation expertise. U&I Entertainment’s distribution track record spans Ubisoft and Atari titles across Europe.
This structure allows Ubisoft focus on Steambot AAA ambitions while Atari delivers accessible celebration product. Physical Switch edition targets collector market hungry for quality retro releases post-Game Boy revival success.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
GamingLeaksAndRumours erupted with measured optimism. Top comments praise multiplatform approach and Switch inclusion. Concerns linger about quality given Atari’s mixed remaster history.
- Perfect Nintendo Switch 2 launch companion
- PS5 physical edition fills collector gap
- Sets stage for Steambot Legends remake
- Game Boy focus honors portable origins
- M rating preserves original edge
Corkben’s YouTube analysis urges measured expectations. Negative remake reactions risk scuttling projects. Community consensus favors quality execution over ambitious overhauls.
Announcement Prediction
Nintendo Direct represents strongest reveal venue given Switch focus. February 2026 timing precedes Switch 2 reveal expected March. Alternative: Ubisoft Forward spring showcase bundling with Steambot teaser.
Physical production timelines suggest Q2 2026 release maximum. Digital launch could accelerate to March aligning with Rayman’s March 1 Australian origins. Marketing emphasizes franchise revival narrative post-Lost Crown momentum.
Franchise Revival Context
Rayman endured long dormancy since Legends. Rabbids spin-offs alienated core fans. Mario + Rabbids crossover succeeded but diluted brand identity. Lost Crown proved 2D platformer viability despite sales disappointment.
Ubisoft restructuring spared Rayman amid six cancellations. Stock plummeted 39% single day yet platformer projects prioritized. Anniversary Edition represents low-risk celebration priming larger Steambot investment.
FAQs
What platforms got rated?
PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch confirmed. Xbox and PC likely follow digitally.
Is this Project Iceman?
Strong evidence suggests yes. Tom Henderson’s “very soon” anniversary project matches perfectly.
Who develops/publishes?
Atari handles both with U&I Entertainment submitting classification. Ubisoft focuses on Steambot.
What games might it include?
Game Boy focus likely given Atari expertise. Original Rayman remake also possible.
When’s announcement expected?
Nintendo Direct February strongest bet. March Switch 2 window secondary.
Connection to Legends remake?
Separate projects. Anniversary Edition bridges to Steambot’s late 2026 target.
Will it be digital only?
No, physical editions confirmed via classification process.
Michel Ancel involved?
Not this project. Consulting Steambot remake only.
Conclusion
Australia’s quiet rating confirms Rayman’s 30th arrives properly celebrated. Anniversary Edition represents smart low-risk celebration priming Ubisoft’s ambitious Steambot remake. Atari’s involvement ensures competent execution honoring portable origins.
Perfect multiplatform strategy targets Switch collectors while PS5 fills premium physical gap. Timing positions Rayman revival amid 2D platformer renaissance post-Lost Crown. Fans finally receive tangible progress after decade-long dormancy, setting stage for franchise’s next golden era.