Sega's iconic mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog, is back in the racing game spotlight with the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Amid the evolving gaming landscape, head of Sonic Team, Takashi Iizuka, discusses how the franchise is working to stay relevant and attract new players.
The game's launch sees Sonic alongside characters from various franchises in a vibrant racing experience, reminiscent of Sega's competitive spirit with Nintendo from the 90s. Iizuka hints that while the advertising may evoke rivalry, the focus remains on fun and engaging gameplay.
We didn't target any specific title; there are many racing games out there, Iizuka stated, downplaying potential antagonism towards Nintendo's Mario Kart. Industry experts mirror his sentiments, suggesting Sega is leaning into its storied rivalry for marketing leverage rather than genuine conflict.
As gamers expect continuous content updates, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds plans to implement seasonal character additions and gameplay enhancements, creating a dynamic and replayable experience. The move reflects trends in the gaming industry characterized by live service models, aimed at maintaining player engagement over lengthy periods.
Iizuka emphasizes the commitment to bring fresh experiences to players, steering clear of remakes of past titles to focus on innovating with new game design. This philosophy aims not just to retain the existing fanbase, but also to broaden Sonic’s appeal to a new generation of players, including those engaged through titles like Roblox.
As Sonic speeds ahead into this new chapter, the stakes are high for Sega to keep its beloved franchise at the forefront of the gaming world.
