Ubisoft Rabbid for new franchise

Upon the Wii's launch in 2006, Ubisoft successfully revitalized its aging action-platforming Rayman franchise by introducing the undeniably adorable, yet criminally insane, Rabbids. Three full installments across multiple platforms later, and the Rabbids are officially striking out on their own.

Ubisoft said today that its Rayman-free Rabbids franchise would debut this holiday season with Rabbids Go Home. The Wii title is in development at Ubisoft's Montpellier studio, whose previous credits include Beyond Good & Evil, Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, and the original Rayman Raving Rabbids.

Details on Rabbids Go Home are still largely under wraps. Ubisoft did provide a brief plot synopsis, however, saying that the adventure game will see the off-kilter Rabbids run amok on Earth as they attempt to return to their homeworld. According to the publisher, additional details on the title are expected to be revealed next month.

According to Ubisoft, the Rayman Raving Rabbids series has now sold more than 6.5 million units. For more on the latest installment--the Wii Balance Board-enabled Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party--check out GameSpot's review, as well as the gameplay footage below.