It’s hard to be surprised in the year of surprises but here we are. At least, in this case, it’s genuinely heartwarming news. Famed video game designer Michel Ancel, responsible for the Rayman series and cult hit Beyond Good & Evil, announced through his personal Instagram account that he’ll be leaving the video games industry…to take care of wild animals. His full statement can be found below.
In regards to his involvement with Beyond Good & Evil 2, well, he isn’t. In an official press release from Ubisoft, the french, powerhouse publisher states, “Michel Ancel has decided to stop working in video games in order to focus on other personal projects, and will no longer be part of the BG&E2 team,” and further explains that the renowned designer hasn’t been directly involved with the project for quite some time now.
Some sharp-minded folks might remember that Michel Ancel was also directing WILD, an open-world game with a large emphasis on befriending wild beasts, so his surprising profession change might not be that surprising at all. Regardless, the games industry will miss a truly revolutionary mind but his genius will surely apply to all his future endeavors.
