Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even feel a pang of nostalgia, because the mastermind behind Mario + Rabbids is back with a game that’s equal parts love letter and savage parody of the gaming industry. Meet Bradley the Badger, a mascot platformer that’s not afraid to poke fun at everything from unfinished game worlds to the chaos of reboots. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t just a game—it’s a mirror held up to the industry’s quirks, flaws, and triumphs, all while starring a badger armed with a frying pan. Yes, you read that right.
Davide Soliani, affectionately dubbed the Ubisoft Crying Man (a title earned from his emotional reactions to fan feedback), has teamed up with writer Christian Cantamessa (known for Red Dead Redemption and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor) to form Day 4 Night, a new studio with a bold vision. Their debut project, Bradley the Badger, blends live-action and animation as Bradley explores a series of unfinished worlds, each representing a different genre. Think Wreck-It Ralph meets Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but with a sharper edge and a badger at the helm.
At the heart of the gameplay is The Kit, a tool that lets Bradley tweak unfinished assets, solve puzzles, and, of course, whack enemies with a frying pan. And this is the part most people miss: the game is packed with cheeky references to industry tropes and iconic titles, including a nod to Bloodborne that’s already sparking excitement (Badgerborne, anyone?).
Soliani describes the project as a way to reignite the childlike wonder of gaming: ‘We wanted to make something that takes us back to when the world of videogames seemed to shine,’ he said. ‘Our mechanics are the bridge between the past and the future.’ Cantamessa adds, ‘Bradley is both a love letter and a satire. Games are art, and this story is inspired by our own adventures—from self-doubt to the joy of creating worlds.’
But here’s the kicker: Soliani left Ubisoft last year after 25 years, 11 of which were spent on the Mario + Rabbids series. His departure was shrouded in mystery, with him only saying, ‘I’m embarking on a new adventure.’ Fast forward to now, and that adventure is Bradley the Badger. And it’s not just a game—it’s a statement. Soliani notes a growing trend: players are craving unique, independent games that dare to tell different stories. ‘That’s what we’re observing as developers and players,’ he says. Bradley the Badger certainly fits the bill.
Controversial question for you: Is the gaming industry ready for a game that laughs at its own expense while celebrating its magic? Or is Bradley the Badger too bold for its own good? Let us know in the comments—this badger isn’t just here to play; he’s here to start a conversation.
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