In an exciting development within the gaming community, Davide Soliani, famed for his work on the Mario + Rabbids series, has unveiled his first independent project, “Bradley the Badger.” This announcement marks Soliani’s departure from Ubisoft, where he spent 25 years, to pursue his passion through his newly established studio, Day 4 Night Studios.
The trailer for “Bradley the Badger,” showcased during The Game Awards 2025, garnered attention not only for its gameplay but also for its intertwining narrative theme. The game is described as a unique blend of classic platforming mechanics infused with modern twists, encouraging players to navigate through the digital remnants of a game creator’s unfinished projects. Notably, it features a character voiced by Marvel star Evan Peters, adding a layer of intrigue and appeal to the game.
The development team at Day 4 Night Studios comprises a talented group of veterans from various successful franchises, including Christian Cantamessa, known for his work on titles such as Red Dead Redemption and Shadow of Mordor. Alongside Cantamessa, former Ubisoft colleagues Cristina Nava, Gian Marco Zanna, and Luca Breda, who contributed to the Mario + Rabbids series, Just Dance, and Ghost Recon, bring a wealth of experience to the project.
In “Bradley the Badger,” players can expect to traverse diverse, unfinished game realms using a specialized Developer Kit. These environments blend traditional game design with live-action sequences, enhancing the gameplay experience while weaving in themes that resonate with anyone who has faced creative obstacles in their journeys.
Official promotional materials describe the game as “a love letter to games, creativity, and everyone who has ever felt stuck in their career or artistic journey.” It aims to expand the gaming experience beyond the screen, referencing various genres and tropes from contemporary culture in its narrative and gameplay structure.
Soliani’s journey in the gaming industry has been characterized by passion and heart, particularly evident during the debut of Mario + Rabbids at E3 2017, where his emotional reaction struck a chord with fans and developers alike. Following the release of the sequel, “Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope,” Soliani chose to leave Ubisoft, a move that reflects his desire to innovate and push creative boundaries.
Expressing his vision for Day 4 Night, Soliani emphasized the emotional and creative aspects of game development. “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,” he shared. “It’s a lullaby for my soul and a serenade to our industry, to the magic and the madness of creating worlds from nothing.”
As “Bradley the Badger” moves closer to release, excitement continues to grow, promising a fresh narrative and gameplay experience from a creator celebrated for his previous successes.
