Mario + Rabbids creative director Davide Soliani leaves Ubisoft

July 24: Davide Soliani, who is best known for his work on the Mario + Rabbids games, announced on social media that he’s left Ubisoft.

Soliani (pictured on the left above) was one of the key developers that worked on the series. He acted as creative director on both Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope.

People often change jobs and take on new opportunities, so Soliani’s move isn’t entirely surprising. He didn’t say what he’ll be up to next, but mentioned that he’s going on “a new adventure.”

Soliani posted the following on social media:

Hi all folks. After 25 years, 11 of which beautifully spent working with Nintendo on Mario + Rabbids along the company of our incredible community of players, I have decided to leave Ubisoft to embark on a new adventure. I can’t say more now. Thanks a lot for everything, truly.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle launched on Switch in 2017. Ubisoft then put out Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope in 2022. 

October 3: Soliani has now opened a new studio with Read Dead Redemption lead designer and writer Christian Cantamesse, Cristina Nava, Gian Marco Zanna, and Luca Breda.

The team intends to make an “entirely original new game,” but details – including planned platforms – have not been announced. The full announcement can be found here.