After 15 years and a contentious IP battle with EA, my favorite game is making a comeback as the creator transforms its characters into bunnies for a spiritual successor: “I’m thrilled about this development!”

Alice has faced the harsh realities of a cruel orphanage and a brutal asylum, but the real nightmare came from an IP dispute between her creator and a major publisher that seemingly buried her dark fairytale series. However, it seems there might be a glimmer of hope. After 15 years since the release of Alice: Madness Returns and three years following the rejection of his pitch for a third installment, the creator has unveiled plans for a spiritual successor.

Transforming every caterpillar, Mad Hatter, and Queen of Hearts into a rabbit is the next step. Since co-founding the plush toy brand Plushie Dreadfuls with his wife in 2015, this metamorphosis feels like a natural evolution.

“2026 will be the year of Alice: Floofness Returns,” he announced in a December 29 tweet. “Plushie Dreadfuls: THE GAME.”

In a video accompanying the announcement, he acknowledged the desire among fans for a new Alice game but explained that the current rights situation makes it impossible. He previously urged fans to “just move on,” expressing his frustration over the IP owners’ lack of interest in continuing the franchise.

But sometimes, you have to dig a new rabbit hole. In his December video, he shared that they’ve successfully integrated Wonderland into Plushie Dreadfuls, stating, “Actually, it’s the other way around. The story I’m working on now has the universe of Plushie Dreadfuls living inside of Wonderland.” A demo is reportedly in the works from an unnamed developer.

He’s been sharing exciting updates from his family’s boat, revealing on January 11 that he’s developed a concept that ties the new story to the ending of Madness Returns while remaining a spiritual successor. “It’s logical, interesting, and it works,” he noted.

“Very happy with this development as I’ve already sketched out large chunks for the middle and ending – along with the general theme/message,” he added. “So this provides a powerful start that Alice fans will love while also creating a solid frame of reference for the Plushie Dreadfuls universe.”

I’m genuinely excited about this. The whimsical madness of 2011’s Alice: Madness Returns has always resonated with me, and I can’t wait to dive back into that world. With my Plushie Dreadful, whom I’ve named Francine, keeping me company, I’m ready to embrace a realm filled with mad rabbits.

I want to declare this thrilling action game, rich with a haunting narrative, intense combat, and a surreal fantasy landscape, as my favorite – even if it’s still in the making.