Rayman fans are not pleased with Ubisoft’s latest move to integrate the iconic character into its blockchain-based Captain Laserhawk game. The announcement has sparked backlash within the community, especially after the game’s official Twitter account made a controversial statement, claiming it could “do whatever it wanted” with Rayman.

The Return of Rayman – But Not as Fans Hoped

Rayman, the beloved platforming mascot, has been largely absent from the gaming scene since the success of Rayman Legends and Rayman Origins. Despite this, the character has seen a minor resurgence, including a dedicated expansion in Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and a unique portrayal in Netflix’s Captain Laserhawk series. While fans initially feared that the show would depict Rayman in an unflattering light, the character’s edgy, adult reimagining was surprisingly well-received, leading to hopes for more appearances, possibly in a second season.

However, Ubisoft’s latest reveal was far from what fans expected or wanted.

Captain Laserhawk’s NFT Game Sparks Controversy

Earlier this week, Ubisoft quietly dropped a trailer for Captain Laserhawk: The Game, described as a “transmedia gaming adventure” incorporating web3 and blockchain technology. The game, a top-down shooter offering “ultra-rare prizes from your favorite IPs,” was quickly identified as an NFT-based project—a concept that has become highly controversial within the gaming community.

For Rayman fans, this was a bitter disappointment. After years of waiting for a new Rayman game or continuation of the Captain Laserhawk series, seeing the character tied to an NFT project felt like a betrayal. Twitter user RaymanTogether encapsulated the sentiment, calling the project a “middle finger to the Rayman community.”

Ubisoft’s Response Adds Fuel to the Fire

The situation worsened when the official Captain Laserhawk Twitter account responded to the criticism. In reply to RaymanTogether’s tweet, the account stated, “It’s a Captain Laserhawk game, not a Rayman game. Anyway, Rayman belongs to us, we can do whatever we want with him…even replace him if needed.” While the account was likely attempting to stay in character, this response only intensified the community’s frustration.

The OFFICIAL Captain Laserhawk account’s response to NFTs criticism
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Fans have overwhelmingly criticized the game’s use of NFTs, viewing it as a cynical attempt to capitalize on Rayman’s legacy. The backlash highlights a broader dissatisfaction with the direction Ubisoft is taking, especially as many gamers feel that NFTs and blockchain technology have no place in gaming. Given the swift decline of NFT interest in recent years, Ubisoft’s persistence with such projects is seen as both tone-deaf and out of touch.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of Captain Laserhawk: The Game has struck a sour note among Rayman fans, who were hoping for something more aligned with the character’s storied history. Instead, they were met with a blockchain project that feels disconnected from the essence of what made Rayman a beloved figure in gaming. As Ubisoft moves forward, it remains to be seen whether they will address these concerns or continue down this controversial path. One thing is clear: the Rayman community is far from satisfied.

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