Sonic Racing CrossWorlds DLC Characters Won’t Be Voiced, Confirms Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, the latest high-speed entry from Sega’s acclaimed Sonic Team, is preparing for launch on the Nintendo Switch, bringing together an ensemble of beloved characters and adrenaline-pumping arcade action.

As excitement builds for its release, one feature has sparked discussion among fans: the absence of voice acting for downloadable content (DLC) characters such as Joker. Racing games in the modern era, especially those featuring iconic franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, often emphasize immersive character interactions and dynamic audio experiences.

Sonic Racing CrossWorlds aims to deliver on both fronts, enabling lively exchanges between Sega favorites like Sonic and Tails.

However, those expecting the same voice-driven interactions from guest DLC racers will find a different approach this time. During a recent interview focused on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds’ features, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka addressed why additional characters included as DLC do not feature recorded voice lines.

Iizuka explained, rephrased in journalistic terms, that including voice acting for guest characters would require extensive approvals from external partners.

"Our game includes many character interactions, so giving voices to guest characters would mean a wide array of reviewed content between them and the Sega cast.

This would expand the scope of approvals needed from other companies, making the process considerably more complex.

We chose not to do it this time to simplify matters for all parties involved," Iizuka stated. Players who have gotten hands-on time with the demo on Nintendo Switch may have already noticed instances where DLC characters remain silent during cutscenes and in-game events, highlighting the practical considerations at play.

For developers working with intellectual property from outside sources—like Joker from the Persona franchise—coordination requirements can be significant.

By omitting the voice work for downloadable racers, Sonic Team reduces dependencies and expedites the approval process, ensuring a seamless integration of new characters for upcoming updates or events. Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is expected to launch globally, continuing Sonic Team’s tradition of innovative, fan-focused racing titles.

The choice to streamline the DLC voice acting process underscores the unique challenges and careful planning that go into cross-franchise game development, particularly for major Nintendo Switch releases.

While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of character voices for certain DLC racers, this decision ensures the game's expanding roster remains accessible while maintaining consistent quality standards. For more verified updates on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, stay tuned to forthcoming announcements through official Nintendo Direct presentations and Sega news channels as the release approaches.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Sonic Team Switch Sonic Joker DLC Sonic Racing CrossWorlds Takashi Iizuka Sega