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Sonic the Hedgehog is enjoying a renaissance few could have predicted ten years ago. Once struggling to stay relevant, the franchise has transformed into a multimedia giant with hit games, blockbuster movies, and a Netflix series. In a recent interview with Eurogamer, longtime series producer Takashi Iizuka looked back on the past decade, offering candid insight into Sonic’s lowest moments and the uphill climb that followed.

“Ten years ago, I moved from Tokyo to Burbank. At that time, the Sonic brand was not in a very positive space. A lot of people were bashing on the brand. They really weren’t happy with the things coming out,” Iizuka recalled. The move came in the wake of a rough patch for Sonic, with mixed reception to titles like Sonic 4, Sonic Lost World, and the infamous Sonic Boom. Even with standouts like Generations and Colors, the brand was faltering.

Iizuka described his relocation as an “oh my god” moment, realizing the franchise was in danger: “We need to save the brand, or this brand isn’t going to be around for much longer.”

The turning point came with a renewed focus on fans. This gave rise to Sonic Mania, developed by passionate fans-turned-professionals under Iizuka’s supervision. The retro revival became the highest-rated Sonic title in fifteen years, proving the Blue Blur still had staying power.

Momentum continued with Sonic Forces laying the groundwork for Sonic Frontiers, which introduced a fresh open-zone concept. Then came bold experiments like The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, a free April Fools’ Day visual novel that earned genuine praise.

“Now we have Netflix content that’s being created, we have movies that are coming out… Instead of just looking at games, it’s like there’s 150 percent more stuff coming in,” Iizuka noted. With comics, films, merchandise, and crossovers, Sonic has become a sprawling transmedia empire.

Yet success has brought new challenges. Leaks surrounding Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds have disrupted careful marketing plans. “When people go online and say things about the game, when they spoil things, or when they give disinformation, it destroys that planning. It ruins a lot of people’s work,” Iizuka said, emphasizing the collaborative effort between developers and marketing.

Despite setbacks, Iizuka remains optimistic. “Ten years ago, I don’t think any of us could’ve believed this could become the normal reality. Thinking of it now, and us being successful… compared to ten years ago, it is like… 180 degrees. We were fighting to survive. It’s totally different now.”

From nostalgic throwbacks to groundbreaking new entries, the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has not only survived — it’s thriving. And with Iizuka still guiding the way, the future looks bright for the world’s fastest hedgehog.

Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic News and Updates.

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