You have my deepest sympathies, Rayman supporters.
I don't care much for Rayman as a character, nor did I really play most of his games, but I did like Rayman 2 on the N64. But I feel as though almost any sort of character can have potential in Smash Bros, and have fans dedicated to that character no matter how obscure. Rayman might not be on the same iconic tier as Mario, Sonic, Mega Man, or Pac-Man, but he is still a gaming icon nonetheless with a large history with Nintendo. And were he truly in Smash Bros, he would have just as much reason to stand among the other 3rd party characters, and be appreciated and loved like the rest of them.
For me, I was interested in the fact that Rayman would have a completely unique moveset to add to the roster, as well as opening the doors for other potential characters down the line (Isaac from Golden Sun). In a game where the likes of Duck Hunt Dog, Wii Fit Trainer, Villager, and etc could all function perfectly along with the rest of the cast despite their unorthodox nature, no one could ever make the claim that Rayman couldn't do the same (despite not having any limbs), and stand amongst the Nintendo giants.
The leaker is very talented. To the point where his talents are incredibly respectable, and I envy them. And while I feel as though he didn't have any ill-intentions, I will say that he didn't exactly do the right thing by promoting this as a leak. It is basically the equivalent of being in school, and the really hot and popular chick whom you have always had a crush on and been friends with asks you to be in a relationship with her. You go on dates, you go to the movies, you might even kiss a little. And everything goes swimmingly, and you are happier than you have ever been. But then one day, she tells you the truth. She wanted your help to gain the confidence to ask out the real guy whom she truly admires, and has feelings for. And she turned to you, because she felt as though you were that one friend whom she could have trusted and relied on. She still wants to be friends with you, but you aren't the one she loves, and she turns you down.
I'm not the greatest of speakers, but this is basically what this situation equates to for me. The theoretical girl in the above example didn't have any ill-will or intentions, but she lied to you. Maybe not in a way that was intentionally meant to harm you, but in a way where she didn't tell you the full truth. She raised up your hopes, and at the peak of your happiness, the truth was revealed. And your feelings were crushed, intensely. And much like this theoretical girl, the leaker pretty much did something similar to a good portion of the Rayman fans.
I ask for the people who criticize so harshly upon those who hate the leaker so severely that they try to see things from this perspective. Sending death threats is wrong, very wrong, but you also have to understand that their feelings were crushed just recently. Most likely, just like yours were. And the feelings of sadness and anger are not too far apart from eachother. People respond to negative situations in life with varying levels of sadness and anger, and some are able to control their emotions much more efficiently than others. But sadness can breed more anger, and anger can breed more sadness. The two emotions are very easy to switch with the right amount of negative influence. However, remember this: Sadness usually always comes first, for the majority of the people in this world. And while they are lashing out in anger, they are also letting out their sadness. Keep this in mind when you talk to these people.
And additionally, for those of you who do respond out in anger, remember this: Responding in anger only breeds more anger, and more sadness. You are not alone in regards to having your feelings crushed. Most everyone in this topic has had this happen to them, as well. They are sad, just like you are right now. Do you really wish to make things harder for the fellow supporters of something you admire, and find joy in? Your actions only make the people around you angry as well. And in turn, it does more to crush their own hopes, and bring them more sadness and grief. Is this truly what you wish to do to other people? Unlike anger, sadness doesn't always breed more sadness and anger, though it can. But unlike anger, it doesn't always do this. Sadness of one person can bring about the support of other people to try to help those who are sad. Sadness can bring about a realization, and change to do something better. Sadness can sometimes bring people closer together, and stronger than before. Pain is a universal feeling, and one of the key contributing factors that can help people understand eachother in this world. Because everyone can understand, and feel pain.
Anger is not the same way, however. Anger usually always breed more sadness, and anger unlike sadness itself. Because while sadness is the feeling of being in pain, anger is the act and desire to want to cause others pain. And by acting out in anger, you are acting out in a way that causes other people pain, and sadness. Do you truly wish to do this? It doesn't matter what side you are on. You always have to be aware of your own actions and the ramifications that they can have on other people. Because you never know when you can hurt the people close to you, to a degree which can never be repaired.
It is okay to express your sadness in regards to loss (in this regards Rayman), but for everyone in this topic, do your best not to lash out in anger. Especially not at other people. While there can be legitimate and true reasons for acting out in anger in life, they are rare, and should be used sparangly and only with an incredibly warranted reasons to do so. A character not being in a videogame you love is not one of them, even if the said character was the character of your dreams.
Instead of acting out in anger, share the sentiments of sadness with those around you, and form stronger bonds with those people. Let your support know. Because if something has a lot of support, it has a much more likely chance of causing something to change in the future. Something positive, that everyone in the group of support can enjoy. And not just a single person. Work together, not against eachother.
Ubisoft now knows of this leak, and is going to respond to it. Whether that be a positive or negative response, the fact that they know about it and are willing to respond is incredible. It means that they know about how much people are supporting the character. And with this knowledge, comes the possibility that they might act upon this knowledge, and give people what they want.
In summary: This is the absolute best chance Rayman supporters ever recieved so far to have your character in this game. And while you were mislead about it being an absolute certainty instead of being a chance, thanks to the leaker's shenanigans, there is one thing that he did which is very, very positive:
He got them to notice that fans really want Rayman in the game.
Take that as you will, and I hope you all have a good day. And despite me not really being attached to the character, here's hoping that one day your dreams will have a ray of light shine upon them. Good luck, Rayman supporters.
