Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Crossover Roster, and Why DLC Characters Won’t Have Voices

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Sonic racing games yet, with its new CrossWorlds mechanic, gadgets, customization options, and a star-studded lineup of guest characters from across gaming and beyond. At gamescom 2025, Destructoid spoke with Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka to discuss the game’s standout features, its crossover roster, and why some DLC characters will not have voices.

When asked how CrossWorlds sets itself apart from the crowded racing genre, Iizuka explained that the goal was not to compete directly with titles like Mario Kart or Kirby Air Ride. Instead, the team focused on creating “the most fun Sonic racing game in history,” working closely with SEGA’s Arcade Division to ensure the project pushed Sonic racing to new heights.

Customization plays a major role, with gadgets and loadouts allowing players to bring their own strategies to online competition. While challenging to implement, Iizuka emphasized that the system gives players “their own uniqueness” when racing against others.

On the subject of crossovers, Iizuka revealed that guest characters were always intended to be a central feature. Free monthly updates will introduce SEGA characters such as Ichiban and Joker, while the Season Pass expands the roster with PAC-MAN, Minecraft, and Nickelodeon properties including SpongeBob and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. SEGA specifically approached external IP holders with unique and fun worlds, and those agreements shaped the final lineup.

The question of voices for DLC characters has been a hot topic among fans. Iizuka clarified that guest characters will not have voice lines in CrossWorlds, citing the logistical challenges of securing approvals for dialogue interactions between external IPs and Sonic’s cast. “We didn’t want to make it difficult for the external company,” he explained, noting that the team instead poured its efforts into the 24 Sonic characters, who feature extensive rival interactions and playful banter.

The CrossWorlds mechanic itself, where tracks shift mid-race into new environments, was one of the earliest ideas discussed when development began. While technically demanding, requiring the game to load three different stages within one race, it became the foundation of the entire concept.

When asked about dream collaborations that did not make the cut, Iizuka confirmed that Minecraft was at the top of the team’s wishlist, and fortunately it made it into the game. He also highlighted the expansion into non-game IPs like Nickelodeon as an exciting opportunity that added more variety to the crossover roster.

With its daring mechanics, customizable gameplay, and crossover roster spanning SEGA legends, gaming icons, and cartoon favorites, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to deliver the biggest Sonic racing experience yet when it launches this fall.

Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds News and Updates!

Source: Destructoid