Sonic Team
Sonic Team business and news from across the web.
Sonic Pico Park dev talks starting at Sega & partnering with Sonic's creatorGame Director Shimazu Shintaro, a former Sega employee, discusses how his company Tecopark partnered with Sega for the upcoming Sonic Pico Park. He explains his journey from Sega to founding Tecopark and how the collaboration came about. Sonic Team producer Takashi Iizuka was also involved in the discussion about bringing Pico Park and Sonic together.- Sonic Team knew it had to “create the absolute best possible game” when it came to Sonic AdventureSonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka discussed the development of Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast, stating the team's goal was to create the best possible game during a challenging period for SEGA. He also mentioned the previous Sonic Jam title for the Sega Saturn.
Sonic Team head on where the franchise will be in another 35 years — 'Iizuka-san does not think he's…Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed pride in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise's current strong position and the team's dedication to creating new experiences. While he doesn't expect to be alive for the franchise's 70th anniversary, he anticipates playing future games developed by the talented Sonic Team.- Sonic Team head says an especially memorable game that he’s worked on is Sonic Adventure 2Sonic Team head Takahashi Iizuka stated that Sonic Adventure 2 is the most memorable game he has worked on. He shared anecdotes about the development of the Dreamcast title with Famitsu magazine. The interview touched upon his fondest memories from his time working on the Sonic series.
'You don't need to be super hardcore to be good at this one' — Pico Park president on bringing Sonic to a whole new audience with upcoming crossover gameSonic Pico Park, an upcoming crossover game combining Pico Park's puzzle mechanics with Sonic the Hedgehog's platforming, aims to attract a wider audience, including non-gamers. Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka and Pico Park president Shintarou Shimazu discussed the collaboration, emphasizing the game's accessibility and potential to appeal to fans who experience Sonic through other media like movies and shows. The game is designed for up to eight players and is expected to release later this year.
'I've been making Sonic games and been with Sonic longer than I've been with my own children' — Sonic Team head looks back on the franchise for its 35th anniversarySonic Team head Takashi Iizuka reflects on his long career with the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. He expresses pride in the series' broad appeal across generations and his commitment to continuing its development, acknowledging the pressure to meet fan expectations.- Sonic Team boss says SEGA tasked him with bringing Sonic back from the deadSonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka revealed that SEGA once considered abandoning the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise due to its perceived decline. Iizuka was tasked with finding a way to revive the series, indicating a significant effort to bring the franchise back to prominence.
- Sonic Team boss says AAA studios can learn a lot from indiesSEGA has announced Sonic Pico Park, a new indie-style Sonic game developed by Tecopark, inspired by their game Pico Park. Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka stated that AAA studios can learn valuable lessons from independent developers, particularly regarding the challenges of large budgets in game development.
Sonic Team lead would love to "magically" remake every Sonic game but says it would take as much time "as…Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed a desire to remake every classic Sonic game for modern platforms but stated that the resources required would be better allocated to developing new titles. He noted that remaking older games to the standard of new releases would demand similar time, money, and effort. While many older Sonic titles are not readily available on current consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, some are accessible on PC, and fan communities have created updated versions.
Sonic Team head wants all Sonic games on modern platforms, would “magically do it” if possibleSonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed a desire to make all past Sonic games playable on modern platforms, but acknowledged the significant resources required, comparing the cost to developing a new title. He indicated that the focus remains on creating new experiences rather than remaking old ones, though SEGA has released remasters like Sonic Generations recently. The possibility of a third year of DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is also dependent on the game's continued success and fan demand.- Sonic Team head says he wants every Sonic game playable on modern hardwareSonic Team head Takashi Iizuka expressed a desire to make every Sonic game playable on modern hardware, addressing fan requests for better backward compatibility. This initiative aims to preserve the franchise's legacy and make its extensive library accessible to new and returning players.
- Sonic Team head confirms possibility of a 3rd year of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds contentSonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has indicated that Sonic Racing CrossWorlds could receive a third year of content if sales remain strong and demand is present. The game is currently available on Nintendo Switch.
- SEGA is heavily recruiting for Sonic TeamSEGA is actively recruiting for its Sonic Team, advertising for roles such as Producer and Lead Planner. This hiring surge suggests preparations for a new mainline Sonic game, indicating a significant expansion of the development team.
Sonic creator wanted to call Billy Hatcher And The Giant Egg a very filthy nameFormer Sega executive Mike Fischer shared anecdotes about Yuji Naka's dissatisfaction with the title 'Billy Hatcher And The Giant Egg,' revealing Naka's desire to rename it 'Giant Cock.' Fischer also mentioned hearing rumors of a potential remake for 'Sonic CD' and shared personal experiences working with Michael Jackson on 'Moonwalker.'
Sonic Team recruiting writer for the next Sonic the Hedgehog gameSonic Team, under SEGA Corporation, is actively recruiting a writer for the next mainline Sonic the Hedgehog game. The role, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, focuses on game scenario writing and involves managing recording sessions and production progress. The monthly salary ranges from ¥315,000 to ¥700,000.- Sonic Frontiers gets new description and Steam price drop suggesting Definitive Edition comingSEGA has updated the Steam description for Sonic Frontiers and permanently reduced its price, fueling speculation about an upcoming "Definitive Edition." The company also recently trademarked "Sonic Frontiers" in Japan, suggesting a new project from Sonic Team.
I reckon revisiting Sega's weirdest egg-rolling GameCube romp is the perfect way to spend Easter, especially if…This article explores revisiting Sega's 2003 GameCube exclusive, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg, as a yearly Easter tradition. It details the game's unique egg-rolling mechanics, its connection to Scottish Easter celebrations, and provides extensive guidance on playing it today via original hardware, modern controllers, and emulation on PC and handheld devices.- Leaker claims Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition will arrive on Switch 2 in JuneA leaker claims that Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 in June, with an announcement potentially coming in the same month. The leaker also suggests that this version will be exclusive to the Switch 2. This news follows other rumors about a potential sequel to Sonic Frontiers aiming for a 2026 release.
Memorable Characters From the Sonic the Hedgehog UniverseThis article ranks memorable characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, highlighting their unique traits and contributions to the franchise's enduring popularity over 30 years. The list includes iconic figures like Sonic, Dr. Eggman, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, alongside fan favorites such as Big the Cat and Silver the Hedgehog, celebrating the diverse cast that complements Sonic's speed.
Sonic Frontiers Definitive Edition Rated in South Korea, Potential New Content IncomingSonic Frontiers Definitive Edition has been rated in South Korea, suggesting potential new content or a re-release. The original game, launched in November 2022, received several major free updates. This rating comes as Sega is confirmed to attend an upcoming Xbox Partner Preview, fueling speculation about an announcement.