Rabbids
Mischievous rabbit-like extraterrestrials from Ubisoft's multimedia franchise.
The Rabbids, also known as Raving Rabbids (French: Lapins Crétins), are a species of mischievous, rabbit-like extraterrestrials that appear in a multimedia franchise developed and published by Ubisoft. They originated as antagonists in the 2006 video game Rayman Raving Rabbids, a spin-off from the Rayman series, and later became the central characters of their own franchise, dropping the Rayman name as of 2009's Rabbids Go Home. The Rabbids are known for speaking only gibberish or screaming wildly when experiencing adrenaline rushes, and most of their games are party video games, though other genres have been explored.
- First appearance
- 2006 (Rayman Raving Rabbids)
- Creator
- Ubisoft (developed and published)
- Field
- Multimedia franchise (video games, TV show, film in development)
- Notable traits
- Speak gibberish, scream 'Bwah!', cause havoc
- Franchise sales
- Over 20 million units worldwide as of June 2019
- Notable games
- Rabbids Go Home, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Lore & Background
The Rabbids were first introduced as antagonists in the Rayman series, appearing in 2006's Rayman Raving Rabbids. Their popularity, boosted by viral videos created by marketing manager Adrian Lacey and animator Charles Beirnaert, led to the characters becoming a separate franchise. By 2009's Rabbids Go Home, Rayman was removed from the branding entirely, and the Rabbids became protagonists. The franchise expanded into other media, including a TV show and a feature film in development by Lionsgate, Ubisoft Film & Television, Mandeville Films, and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.
Reader's Guide
The Rabbids franchise represents a notable example of a spin-off surpassing its parent series in commercial and cultural impact. Originating as enemies in the Rayman games, the Rabbids' absurd humor and viral marketing success allowed Ubisoft to build a standalone multimedia property. The series sold over 20 million units by June 2019, and the characters have appeared in numerous other Ubisoft games, including Red Steel, Just Dance, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as well as crossover events in For Honor, The Crew 2, and Stumble Guys. The Rabbids' legacy lies in their transformation from simple antagonists to iconic, gibberish-speaking mascots, demonstrating how viral appeal can drive franchise expansion. Their continued presence in new games and a planned film adaptation underscores their enduring popularity within Ubisoft's portfolio.
Did You Know?
- The Rabbids were originally antagonists in the Rayman series before becoming protagonists in Rabbids Go Home.
- Viral videos created by marketing manager Adrian Lacey and animator Charles Beirnaert helped boost the Rabbids' popularity.
- As of June 2019, the series had sold over 20 million units worldwide.
- A film adaptation is in development by Lionsgate, Ubisoft Film & Television, Mandeville Films, and Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.
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