With how prolific Sonic the Hedgehog has been over the last 35 years, it’s a little surprising to hear that Sega once considered stopping production of new games altogether. That’s what series producer and current Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka told GamesRadar in an interview, which was posted on Twitter yesterday evening.
Speaking about how he was asked by Sega to course correct the Sonic franchise, Iizuka explained:
“There was even a time when SEGA said, ‘You know what? We don’t need you to make any more Sonic games. We’re good. We’re done with Sonic…’ And even ten years ago when I first moved to America, Sonic was really at a low point and they said, ‘Iizuka-san, if you don’t go over to America and don’t start building this up and raising Sonic back up, Sonic is going to end and we’re just going to be done with it.’”
According to Iizuka’s story, that would have been around 2016, which is right before the release of Sonic Mania and following the release of two disastrous Sonic Boom games (across Wii U and 3DS). The live-action films weren’t even a consideration at that point, so this does add up. The franchise was at an all-time low point then, so I’m not too surprised Sega would consider dropping it entirely.
As Iizuka goes on to explain, it’s all thanks to fan feedback and support that Sonic is even still around.
“It’s really thanks to the fans for all of the support we’ve gotten… our fans have been there this entire time supporting us, whether it’s with movies or animation or whatever it is that we’re doing,” Iizuka expressed. “The fans are there and they’ve been really supportive the past 35 years, so I’d just like to say a big thanks to all of the fans that have been there and continue to be there.”
As for Sonic’s future, we don’t know much yet. Sonic Frontiers is seemingly getting a “definitive edition” port for Nintendo Switch 2, and there is the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4 movie, but that’s really it. I do believe Sega is at a point where it can take longer breaks in between major Sonic releases, so I wouldn’t expect to hear anything for another year at least.
Check out more Sonic content
Official Sonic the Hedgehog pinball machine teased by Jersey Jack, full reveal next week
Celebrate 35 years of Sonic with a life-sized figure containing his DNA… No, really
Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition for Switch 2 has reportedly been spotted at a retailer
Leave a Comment
Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
