Sonic Team
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Sonic Team boss: “Trying something new with Sonic can result in a completely unique game”
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka stated that the company will continue to experiment with the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. He believes that trying new and different approaches with the blue blur can lead to completely unique games.
Sonic Frontiers director interested in remake / reimagining of Sonic and the Secret Rings, Sonic and the Black Knight
Sonic Frontiers director Morio Kishimoto expressed interest in remaking or reimagining Sonic and the Secret Rings and Sonic and the Black Knight, games he considers foundational to his career. He believes his skills have improved enough to create a better experience now, while also showing interest in Sonic Unleashed but deeming the original Sonic the Hedgehog too perfect to remake.
Evening Reading - September 3, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of topics including reviews for NHL 27 and Halloween: The Game, news on Guild Wars 3 and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation's DLC and release date, and NVIDIA's acquisition of Hugging Face. It also touches on Sonic Team's lead Takashi Iizuka's comments regarding Fortnite's Sonic and the White House posting propaganda games.
Sonic Team lead Takashi Iizuka says Fortnite's Sonic is allowed to shoot you because he's a robot
Sonic Team lead Takashi Iizuka clarified that the Sonic character featured in Fortnite is not the real Sonic, but an android replica. This distinction allows the character to be depicted with firearms, a behavior Iizuka states the true Sonic would never engage in.
Sonic Team open to Sonic Mania sequel with original developers
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has expressed openness to a sequel for the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania. He stated that the team remains in close contact with the original developers and there is a mutual desire to collaborate again.
Sonic Team head talks possibility of Sonic Mania 2
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has indicated that while Sonic Mania 2 is not currently in development, the possibility remains open. SEGA maintains a strong relationship with the original developers, and Iizuka expressed a desire to work with them again in the future.
Sonic Team boss says Sonic may not have succeeded without leap to 3D in Sonic Adventure
Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, stated in an interview that the Sonic franchise might not have achieved its current success without the pivotal 3D transition brought about by Sonic Adventure. This game marked Sonic's first major foray into three-dimensional gameplay for Sega.
Next Sonic game to further evolve Sonic Frontiers’ open-zone formula
Morio Kishimoto, director of Sonic Frontiers, has indicated that the next Sonic game will further evolve the open-zone formula established in Sonic Frontiers. Sonic Team aims to build upon the existing mechanics and explore new possibilities within this design.
Sonic Team boss says more “surprises” are yet to come for Sonic 35th anniversary
Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, stated that more surprises are planned for the 35th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. While SEGA has made some announcements, additional reveals may occur at Gamescom.
Sonic Team head talks Sonic remakes
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka discussed the considerations for creating game remakes, emphasizing the need to update controls and level design for modern platforms alongside visual style. The team pays close attention to these elements when deciding on remake projects.
Cowabunga! Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Welcomes The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are now playable characters in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with the release of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pack" DLC. This pack includes all four turtles, their unique vehicles, a new New York City themed race track, and additional cosmetic items. The DLC is available for purchase on PC, PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Sonic Team boss will continue to deliver content that “stays true to the Sonic universe”
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka stated in an interview that the studio is committed to developing new projects that remain true to the Sonic universe. He highlighted the ongoing content for Sonic Racing CrossWorlds as an example of this commitment.
Sonic Pico Park dev talks starting at Sega & partnering with Sonic's creator
Game 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 Adventure
Sonic 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 2
Sonic 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 game
Sonic 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 anniversary
Sonic 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 dead
Sonic 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 indies
SEGA 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.