Get ready to dive into a gaming experience that’s as heartfelt as it is innovative! Davide Soliani, the mastermind behind the beloved Mario + Rabbids series, has just unveiled his latest creation, Bradley the Badger, and it’s already sparking excitement. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t just another platformer—it’s a meta-narrative adventure that blurs the lines between game and reality, leaving players to ponder the creative struggles of its own development. Revealed at The Game Awards 2025, the trailer teased nods to iconic titles like Bloodborne, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Last of Us, while also introducing Marvel’s Evan Peters as the voice of Bradley. And this is the part most people miss: the game doubles as a love letter to the gaming industry, creativity, and anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their artistic journey.
Bradley the Badger marks the debut of Soliani’s new studio, Day 4 Night Studios, co-founded with industry veteran Christian Cantamessa, known for his work on Red Dead Redemption, Shadow of Mordor, and Perfect Dark. Joining them are three former Ubisoft colleagues—Cristina Nava, Gian Marco Zanna, and Luca Breda—who brought their expertise from franchises like Mario + Rabbids, Just Dance, and Ghost Recon. Together, they’ve crafted a game where players navigate through unfinished, work-in-progress worlds using an in-game Developer Kit, complete with live-action scenes that frame Bradley’s journey and his creator’s struggles.
But here’s the bold part: Soliani describes the game as a ‘lullaby for the soul’ and a ‘serenade to the gaming industry,’ celebrating the magic and madness of creating worlds from nothing. It’s a story about triumphs, challenges, and dreams—but is it too ambitious? Or is it the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation? That’s for players to decide.
Soliani’s journey to this point is just as compelling. After capturing hearts with his emotional reaction to the Mario + Rabbids announcement at E3 2017, he left Ubisoft in 2024 after 25 years, following the release of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Ubisoft’s CEO later admitted the game was rushed, which raises the question: Could Bradley the Badger be Soliani’s unapologetic return to form? Or is it a risky departure from what fans expect?
‘What we are crafting at Day 4 Night is 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,’ Soliani shared. ‘It’s a story about triumphs, challenges, dreams, to light the path we walk together.’
So, here’s the question for you: Is Bradley the Badger a groundbreaking tribute to gaming and creativity, or is it biting off more than it can chew? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
