In a recent interview with Famitsu, SEGA President and COO Yukio Sugino shared the company’s enthusiasm for revisiting and revitalizing old SEGA franchises, with a particular focus on Sonic the Hedgehog.
During the interview, Sugino clarified that the upcoming game Samba de Amigo: Party Central is not a reboot of the original 1999 rhythm game but a new entry in the franchise. However, he swiftly transitioned to discussing Sonic Superstars, an upcoming game planned for release later this year. Sugino described it as “a return to 2D action,” highlighting the company’s intention to incorporate reboot-like elements into the game.
Expanding on this concept, Sugino expressed SEGA’s approach to their intellectual properties, emphasizing the consideration of reboots and remakes. He stated, “We will develop while selecting which is appropriate at this timing for each IP, such as ‘This is the best way to do this IP.’ ‘Sonic’ is also SEGA’s signature IP, and in parallel with the new game, we are considering reboots and remakes.”
When asked about his impressions of the previous fiscal year, Sugino once again highlighted Sonic. He mentioned the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 film, which surpassed its predecessor with over $405 million in worldwide box office revenue. Additionally, he expressed joy over the positive reception of the 3D platformer Sonic Frontiers, which exceeded sales expectations. Sugino shared that he received numerous messages, particularly from North American users, expressing their happiness with the direction of the Sonic franchise.
Looking ahead to the launch of Sonic Superstars later this year, Sugino expressed optimism. He teased the incorporation of new gameplay elements and multiplayer features, encouraging fans to stay tuned for the exciting experience.
SEGA’s President’s comments indicate a strong commitment to both new projects and revisiting beloved franchises. With the promise of potential reboots and remakes, including the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog series, fans can anticipate a mix of fresh experiences and nostalgic journeys in the world of SEGA.
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Source: Famitsu (Japanese), DualShockers
