Michel Ancel’s Wild: A Controversial Journey and a Cry for Recognition
Former Rayman and Beyond Good & Evil creator Michel Ancel recently revisited his troubled project, Wild, in an interview with Superpouvoir. The game, initially a PS4 exclusive developed by Ancel’s Wild Sheep Studio, promised a unique survival experience but ultimately met a controversial end.
A Promising Beginning and Growing Troubles
Ancel paints a picture of Wild’s early development as a successful endeavor. By 2018, the team had a playable version that Ancel describes as “more than promising”. However, the journey took a turn when the game’s planned upgrade to PS5 led to production delays.
This period saw major management changes at Sony, eventually leading to the PlayStation giant pulling its support for the project. Ubisoft stepped in to take over Wild, promising a robust budget and continued development. Ironically, Sony then offered to double the budget upon realizing Ubisoft’s involvement.
However, according to Ancel, contracts with Ubisoft were too far advanced to pivot back to Sony. This decision, he believes, marked a critical turning point for Wild.
A Game "Crushed" Under Ubisoft’s Guidance
Ancel asserts that Wild’s downfall began when Ubisoft Paris, led by departed executive Tommy François, took the reins. He claims the game fell into disarray under Francois and his editorial team, who requested numerous changes without fully grasping the game’s core concept.
Consequences of Poor Management
Ancel reveals that the chaotic environment within Ubisoft’s editorial department, coupled with the controversy surrounding Francois and sexual misconduct accusations, became increasingly detrimental to Wild’s progress. He ultimately stepped away from the project, citing burnout and the need to protect his family.
A Legacy Unfulfilled? Ancel’s Longing for Recognition
Ancel expresses deep regret over Wild’s fate, lamenting the game’s potential left unrealized. He challenges readers to consider the situation a "real scandal," highlighting the impact of internal pressures and mismanagement on a creative vision.
He concludes the interview by expressing his willingness to share demos of both Wild and Beyond Good & Evil 2, both of which he considers to be "more than promising." This gesture invites gamers and industry professionals to glimpse the games that could have been, while also prompting a deeper reflection on the delicate balance between creative vision and corporate control within the video game development landscape.
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