Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Aims for Fair Competition, Says SEGA's Takashi Iizuka

SEGA is preparing for the release of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, a new installment in the popular racing genre that has drawn direct comparisons to Nintendo’s Mario Kart World.

In recent discussions with Games Radar, Sonic Team producer Takashi Iizuka highlighted the development team’s philosophy in crafting a racing game that places a premium on fairness and competitive fun, while intentionally departing from some of the mechanics that define its rivals. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds has been spotlighted for its commitment to an even playing field, eschewing item mechanics that can sway the outcome of a race in a single moment.

"We wanted to ensure that the core racing experience remained fair and enjoyable—even without the influence of items," Iizuka explained during the interview.

He elaborated that the team took the racing back to basics, focusing on competitive mechanics first and foremost.

The design process began with building out the vehicles and tracks to perfection, establishing balanced gameplay as the primary goal. Only after solidifying the racing fundamentals did the developers introduce items into the mix.

However, Iizuka was clear that these additions were not final upon their initial creation.

The team engaged in extensive playtesting, rigorously evaluating the impact of each gameplay element.

"Any items that introduced undue stress for players, or those that regularly let racers make improbable comebacks, were excluded from the final concept," Iizuka stated.

This deliberate approach was to foster a game environment where skill and strategy are decisive, moving away from unpredictable, so-called 'rubber-banding' systems. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is being shaped by this attention to fairness, offering longtime fans and newcomers a game that rewards mastery of track layouts and racing mechanics without overreliance on random item drops.

By contrasting itself with Mario Kart World—a staple of the Nintendo Switch and eShop with millions of global sales—SEGA is staking a unique position within the arcade racing space. The Sonic series has been a mainstay of the gaming industry since the early days of SEGA hardware, and under Iizuka’s direction, Sonic Team has continued to innovate with each release.

With the introduction of Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, SEGA’s proven record in game development is once again on display, promising a balanced alternative to the established formula of character-driven racing titles. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is slated for launch soon, with expectations high given the strong legacy of both SEGA and the Sonic franchise.

The title will be available on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, with additional details accessible through SEGA’s official channels and the eShop at launch.

SEGA Sonic Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Takashi Iizuka Mario Kart World Nintendo Switch Games Radar