Sega President Emphasizes Need for 'Great Game' as Sonic Franchise Eyes Next Major Release
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Published on: December 31, 2024
Description
The Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years, propelled by a trilogy of successful live-action film adaptations and a slate of well-received video game releases.
Sega, the legacy Japanese developer and publisher behind the iconic blue mascot, has seen renewed attention and sales milestones across both modern and classic hardware, especially the Nintendo Switch and digital storefronts such as the eShop.
In a recent interview with BBC, Sega President Shuji Utsumi reinforced the studio’s high ambitions for the upcoming mainline Sonic title.
Utsumi emphasized that the next installment must reach the highest standards, stating that the next game is set to be “quite challenging” and “exciting,” reflecting the team’s dedication to innovation and player satisfaction.
Utsumi notably reflected on the impact of classic titles like Sonic Adventure, which he described as a turning point for the series.
He linked this legacy to future mainline entries, asserting, “When we release it, it should be good, it should be impressive—we need to meet or even exceed people's expectations, so it takes some time.” This comment underscores Sega’s commitment to delivering quality experiences that resonate deeply with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
While fans continue to speculate about the possibility of a new Sonic Adventure title or expansions to beloved features like the Chao Garden, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka clarified that there are currently no standalone Chao Garden projects in development.
However, Utsumi confirmed that internal discussions regarding this fan-favorite feature have taken place, although he refrained from sharing further details at this time.
Looking toward the immediate future, Sega recently announced 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds,' a new Sonic universe title set to launch soon on Nintendo Switch and other platforms.
This announcement follows the franchise’s momentum on the Nintendo eShop and during recent Nintendo Direct presentations, where Sonic’s enduring popularity continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Sega’s dedication to ensuring every mainline Sonic installment is of the highest quality demonstrates an understanding of the franchise’s cultural significance and the expectations of a passionate, global fan base.
Stay tuned to official Sega channels and Nintendo news sources for further updates as Sonic the Hedgehog speeds toward his next major milestone.
