How a fan’s letter to Nintendo sparked hope for Rayman in Smash Ultimate
The Unconventional Request
In an era dominated by digital communication, one Super Smash Bros Ultimate enthusiast from New Zealand took a surprisingly traditional approach to make their voice heard. Rather than tweeting or posting online, they composed a physical letter to Nintendo’s American headquarters advocating for Ubisoft’s Rayman to join the game’s roster as DLC.
This grassroots campaign began when Twitter user CallMeKorora shared images in December 2020 of her meticulously crafted letter, which included detailed arguments for Rayman’s inclusion.
The letter stood out by going beyond simple requests, presenting thoughtful analysis of how Rayman’s unique limbless fighting style could translate to Smash’s mechanics. It also emphasized the character’s passionate fanbase and Ubisoft’s history of collaboration with Nintendo.
Nintendo’s Surprising Response
Months after the initial letter was sent, Nintendo surprised everyone by responding in kind with their own physical correspondence. The company acknowledged the fan’s passion and commitment, stating they would forward the suggestion to relevant departments.
“We have some of the most devoted, enthusiastic fans of any game developer,” Nintendo wrote. “I’m more than happy to send your suggestion for the game to other departments here at Nintendo so they too can see your suggestion!”
THEY RESPONDED TODAY! pic.twitter.com/ht4X6EnMOa
— CallMeKorora (@CallMeKorora) March 31, 2021
The response included Nintendo-themed bookmarks featuring Samus and Peach, showing the company’s appreciation for the fan’s effort while carefully avoiding any commitment regarding Rayman’s potential inclusion.
The Future of Rayman in Smash
While Nintendo’s response was encouraging, it didn’t confirm Rayman’s addition to Smash Ultimate. With only two remaining DLC slots in Fighters Pass Volume 2 at the time, the odds seemed long for the Ubisoft mascot’s promotion from Spirit to playable character.
Ubisoft has shown interest in seeing Rayman join the battle, subtly hinting at the possibility through their Ubisoft Club app after Byleth concluded the first Fighters Pass. This corporate backing adds weight to fan campaigns but doesn’t guarantee results.
Even if Rayman misses Ultimate’s roster, this exchange demonstrates how fan passion can directly reach developers, potentially influencing future installments of the Smash series.
Fan Engagement Strategies
This case study reveals several effective strategies for fans hoping to influence game development:
- Personal Touch: Physical letters stand out in an age of digital petitions
- Detailed Arguments: Explaining why a character fits, not just requesting them
- Professional Tone: Respectful communication gets taken seriously
- Persistence: Following up appropriately shows genuine interest
While success isn’t guaranteed, this approach demonstrates how to maximize the chances of developers hearing and considering fan input.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Nintendo responds to fan asking for Rayman to join Smash Ultimate How a fan's letter to Nintendo sparked hope for Rayman in Smash Ultimate