Rumor: Rayman Legends Wii U complete, developers disappointed with management's forced delay

According to an alleged developer of Rayman Legends, development of the Wii U version of the game was complete in early January. The delay, which pushes the Wii U version's release to September in order for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions to release at the same time, was apparently made entirely by upper Ubisoft management, much to developers' dismay.

Here's the forum post from the developer, translated by users at NeoGaf:

"I completely understand you but you have to understand one thing. This is not a decision taken by the development team, this comes from really really high up, so please don't pick on the game.

If you're pissed, imagine how we feel. Think on the situation, we've been making overtime with this game practically since May preparing E3, and then almost a demo per month (Gamescon, Wii U presentation, shops, eShop, etc...) and at the same time trying to actually finish the game. We had a first delay because it was obvious we couldn't finish on time but we gave it all to be there on February. What face do you think we had when the week we had to close the game we're being told it's not going to be released? I couldn't believe it.

For practical matters, you'll have to wait for some months for the game to be released and will most likely serve for more content to be added and do it better. For us, this means we've spent 6 months barely seeing our wives, kids, and friends for nothing because, after all, such a haste wasn't needed. Believe it, it was a hell to swallow these news.

Even then I'm firm in what I said back in the day, Rayman Legends is an excellent game and will still be, and the team that's making it doesn't deserve to have your back turned on them just because some men in ties one day took a wrong choice. This industry is really that shitty."

Other posts by said developer include comments referencing that Rayman Legends development wrapped up on January 9. "See you next month!" NeoGaf detectives report that the use can be confirmed to be one of the developers, named Xavier, one of the fellows onstage at last year's E3 demoing the game. The employee is no longer with the company, but of course he's still entitled to his opinion on the delay.

A Ubisoft representative has responded to the controversy over the delay as well, though it's nothing unexpected:

"We usually release all of our platforms simultaneously (aside from PC). We've made special exception sometimes in the past but it's definitely just on a case by case basis and not our standard practice. I know it's not an elaborate, 'convincing' answer, but it's the simple truth."

I have a feeling there isn't anyone coming out of this decision feeling happy with the way things worked out. Whether that be Nintendo, Ubisoft management, the game's developers or fans who were excited to see Rayman Legends after all this time. Well, maybe Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players are excited. Jerks!

Update: Ubisoft posted the following response on their Facebook page after being waylaid with a ridiculous amount of fan backlash:

"Thanks for all your feedback regarding Rayman Legends in all of its forms. We have heard you and we will continue to listen. We understand your frustration and that you want to get your hands on the game.

We are working with the development team to provide you with a new, exclusive demo for the Wii U soon. Stay tuned for more."