The source code of Rayman 4's prototype seems to have been leaked online, which includes primary components such as a level editor, models, cutscenes, and other aspects. For the uninitiated, the Rayman series was one of Ubisoft's premiere franchises back in the late 90s to early 2000s. That all changed however in 2006, with the release of Rayman Raving Rabbids, which then spawned the Rabbids spin-off series. Ever since then, the Rabbids slowly but surely took the spotlight from Rayman, with the latter ostensibly becoming less-and-less relevant over time. The last franchise entry in the Rayman series discounting re-releases was Rayman Legends, originally released in 2013.Before Rayman Raving Rabbids, there was work being done on a true Rayman 4, not by Ubisoft itself but Phoenix Studio. Reportedly it had begun development in 2005, but was discontinued after a few months of work. The Rayman Raving Rabbids title by Ubisoft was also developed under the moniker of Rayman 4 before it changed its premise and title. As the years went on, concept art, early builds, and other details were posted online, some provided by former developers. This leak, however, is one of the biggest, where it contains an alpha build and source code of the canceled project. A Twitter thread by a user known as @RibShark posted their findings through Rayman 4's source code, which contained a level editor and much more. This includes prototype level maps and mechanics that were first shown, such as ridable characters. Images and videos showed off possible challenges and levels such as a Rabbid Robot boss that has Rayman blowing it up from the inside, or a level known as "Sphincter Cell" which is an obvious name parody of fellow Ubisoft franchise Splinter Cell.
According to forums GBATemp and ResetEra, this leak was first posted on 4Chan, where fans have been parsing through its files to play the test levels and concepts. Other findings include incomplete cutscenes, and even a model of Rayman's girlfriend who was going to debut in this game. Some joked that this leak was a "Christmas miracle" considering its apt timing, with other fans hoping that the game can be cobbled together in a cohesive fashion like the Duke Nukem Forever 2001 Restoration Project.
Rayman fans have been getting a bone thrown their way this year, between the leak of this source code and the reveal of the Rayman DLC for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. While some are appreciative that the character will be the focus of this DLC, others think that the Rayman series is still due for a proper comeback with a full game as opposed to an expansion to an existing game.
Rayman 4 was canceled.