Pac-Man celebrates his 45th anniversary with a dream conversation alongside Sonic. Two iconic characters who have raced through the Shōwa and Reiwa eras reflect on their “lives”:“You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it interesting.”
Pac-Man celebrates his 45th anniversary with a dream conversation alongside Sonic. Two iconic characters who have raced through the Shōwa and Reiwa eras reflect on their “lives”:“You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it interesting.”

Pac-Man celebrates his 45th anniversary with a dream conversation alongside Sonic. Two iconic characters who have raced through the Shōwa and Reiwa eras reflect on their “lives”:“You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it interesting.”

To celebrate Pac-Man’s 45th anniversary, the iconic arcade hero sits down with Sonic the Hedgehog for a heartfelt and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about freedom, fun, and what it means to keep moving forward.

Continue ReadingPac-Man celebrates his 45th anniversary with a dream conversation alongside Sonic. Two iconic characters who have raced through the Shōwa and Reiwa eras reflect on their “lives”:“You never know what’s going to happen, and that’s what makes it interesting.”
Roger Craig Smith Reflects on Fifteen Years as Sonic and His Evolving Approach to the Blue Blur
Roger Craig Smith Reflects on Fifteen Years as Sonic and His Evolving Approach to the Blue Blur

Roger Craig Smith Reflects on Fifteen Years as Sonic and His Evolving Approach to the Blue Blur

Roger Craig Smith looks back on fifteen years of voicing Sonic, sharing insights on fan reactions, shifting creative directions, his work on Dying Light: The Beast, and why he is unfazed by the rise of AI in voice acting.

Continue ReadingRoger Craig Smith Reflects on Fifteen Years as Sonic and His Evolving Approach to the Blue Blur
Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ Future, Fan Feedback, and the Game’s Arcade Roots

Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ Future, Fan Feedback, and the Game’s Arcade Roots

At Brasil Game Show, Sonic series producer Takashi Iizuka shared how Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds was born from SEGA’s arcade expertise and fan feedback, teasing that more DLC could come if demand stays strong.

Continue ReadingTakashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ Future, Fan Feedback, and the Game’s Arcade Roots
Takashi Iizuka Confirms Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Will Fully Utilize Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Switch 2 Version Arrives This Christmas with Enhanced Performance

Takashi Iizuka Confirms Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Will Fully Utilize Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware

Takashi Iizuka says the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will take full advantage of the console’s upgraded hardware while maintaining full cross-play with other platforms.

Continue ReadingTakashi Iizuka Confirms Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Will Fully Utilize Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware
SEGA Says Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Rewards Skill Over Luck, Aiming Beyond the “Party Game” Formula
SEGA Says Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Rewards Skill Over Luck, Aiming Beyond the “Party Game” Formula

SEGA Says Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Rewards Skill Over Luck, Aiming Beyond the “Party Game” Formula

CrossWorlds creative director Masaru Kohayakawa says SEGA designed the game to reward strategy and skill over luck, drawing clear contrast to the Mario Kart formula.

Continue ReadingSEGA Says Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Rewards Skill Over Luck, Aiming Beyond the “Party Game” Formula
Takashi Iizuka Says Mario Kart World Has No Influence on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Takashi Iizuka Says Mario Kart World Has No Influence on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Takashi Iizuka Says Mario Kart World Has No Influence on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

With Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launching September 25, Takashi Iizuka says Mario Kart World’s reveal came as a surprise but has no impact on Sega’s vision for the ultimate Sonic racing game.

Continue ReadingTakashi Iizuka Says Mario Kart World Has No Influence on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Iizuka Confirms No Plans for Sonic Movie Content in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Iizuka Confirms No Plans for Sonic Movie Content in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Iizuka Confirms No Plans for Sonic Movie Content in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka confirmed at gamescom that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will not feature content from the Sonic the Hedgehog movies, citing timing and release schedules as the main reason.

Continue ReadingIizuka Confirms No Plans for Sonic Movie Content in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Crossover Roster, and Why DLC Characters Won’t Have Voices
Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Crossover Roster, and Why DLC Characters Won’t Have Voices

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

At gamescom 2025, Takashi Iizuka shared new details on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, discussing its unique CrossWorlds mechanic, deep customization, crossover roster, and why DLC characters will not be voiced.

Continue ReadingTakashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Crossover Roster, and Why DLC Characters Won’t Have Voices
Translation: SEGA’s Sonic × Shadow Generations: Creating “Show-Stopping” Character Animation and Event Direction with Maya

Translation: SEGA’s Sonic × Shadow Generations: Creating “Show-Stopping” Character Animation and Event Direction with Maya

SEGA’s flagship character, Sonic the Hedgehog, returned in October 2024 with Sonic × Shadow Generations, a powerful new entry in the franchise. The game remasters 2011’s Sonic Generations for modern…

Continue ReadingTranslation: SEGA’s Sonic × Shadow Generations: Creating “Show-Stopping” Character Animation and Event Direction with Maya
Famitsu Translation: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Hatsune Miku’s Participation Sparks Major Buzz Overseas. Takashi Iizuka Shares Passionate Message: “We Want to Deliver a Definitive Experience for Fans Without Worrying About Other IPs”
Famitsu Translation: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Hatsune Miku’s Participation Sparks Major Buzz Overseas. Takashi Iizuka Shares Passionate Message: “We Want to Deliver a Definitive Experience for Fans Without Worrying About Other IPs”

Famitsu Translation: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Hatsune Miku’s Participation Sparks Major Buzz Overseas. Takashi Iizuka Shares Passionate Message: “We Want to Deliver a Definitive Experience for Fans Without Worrying About Other IPs”

Starting June 6, 2025 (local time), Summer Game Fest 2025 kicked off in Los Angeles, California. During the event, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds executive producer Takashi Iizuka sat down for an interview in LA. Having lived in the United States for many years, Iizuka is fluent in English (though that last bit isn’t relevant to the main article)...

Continue ReadingFamitsu Translation: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Hatsune Miku’s Participation Sparks Major Buzz Overseas. Takashi Iizuka Shares Passionate Message: “We Want to Deliver a Definitive Experience for Fans Without Worrying About Other IPs”
Translation: [Interview] SEGA’s Arcade Initial D Team Also Working on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds — A Racing Game Full of Excitement and Surprises

Translation: [Interview] SEGA’s Arcade Initial D Team Also Working on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds — A Racing Game Full of Excitement and Surprises

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, scheduled for release on September 25, 2025, is a collaborative title between Sonic Team and SEGA’s arcade game development team. Drawing heavily from the expertise cultivated through arcade titles, the game reflects a deep attention to detail. We spoke with the developers to learn more about their approach and design philosophy.

Continue ReadingTranslation: [Interview] SEGA’s Arcade Initial D Team Also Working on Sonic Racing CrossWorlds — A Racing Game Full of Excitement and Surprises
Iizuka Talks Online Events, Travel Rings, Crossovers, and Monster Trucks at IGN Live 2025
Iizuka Talks Online Events, Travel Rings, Crossovers, and Monster Trucks at IGN Live 2025

Iizuka Talks Online Events, Travel Rings, Crossovers, and Monster Trucks at IGN Live 2025

At IGN Live 2025, Takashi Iizuka revealed more details about Sonic Racing CrossWorlds, including its surprise-filled Travel Ring mechanic, crossover racers, and a chaotic new monster truck item.

Continue ReadingIizuka Talks Online Events, Travel Rings, Crossovers, and Monster Trucks at IGN Live 2025
Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Mario Kart Comparisons, and the High Cost of Leaks
Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Mario Kart Comparisons, and the High Cost of Leaks

Takashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Mario Kart Comparisons, and the High Cost of Leaks

Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka opens up about the return of crossover racing, the impact of early leaks, and how CrossWorlds aims to stand apart from Mario Kart World.

Continue ReadingTakashi Iizuka Talks Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Mario Kart Comparisons, and the High Cost of Leaks
Famitsu Translation: Sonic × Shadow Generations is Designed to be the “First Game” for Sonic Beginners. We Also Heard Development Stories About the DLC Featuring Keanu Reeves as a Voice Actor [TGS2024]

Famitsu Translation: Sonic × Shadow Generations is Designed to be the “First Game” for Sonic Beginners. We Also Heard Development Stories About the DLC Featuring Keanu Reeves as a Voice Actor [TGS2024]

Sonic × Shadow Generations, set to release on Friday, October 25, 2024, from SEGA, combines two titles: a remastered version of the original Sonic Generations from 2011, with new features…

Continue ReadingFamitsu Translation: Sonic × Shadow Generations is Designed to be the “First Game” for Sonic Beginners. We Also Heard Development Stories About the DLC Featuring Keanu Reeves as a Voice Actor [TGS2024]
Translation: Sonic Rumble Group Interview. We Learned More About the Sonic Series’ New Venture into the Battle Royale Genre [TGS2024]

Translation: Sonic Rumble Group Interview. We Learned More About the Sonic Series’ New Venture into the Battle Royale Genre [TGS2024]

At Tokyo Game Show 2024, Sega showcased a new title from the Sonic series, Sonic Rumble (PC / iOS / Android), at their booth. This game is an action title…

Continue ReadingTranslation: Sonic Rumble Group Interview. We Learned More About the Sonic Series’ New Venture into the Battle Royale Genre [TGS2024]
Famitsu Translation: Interview with Takashi Iizuka and Shun Nakamura About Sonic × Shadow Generations. The Brand Theme is to Fully Convey Shadow’s Appeal, Depicting the Dark Hero Awakening to New Abilities

Famitsu Translation: Interview with Takashi Iizuka and Shun Nakamura About Sonic × Shadow Generations. The Brand Theme is to Fully Convey Shadow’s Appeal, Depicting the Dark Hero Awakening to New Abilities

SEGA will release the latest entry in the Sonic series, Sonic × Shadow Generations, on Friday, October 25, 2024, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox…

Continue ReadingFamitsu Translation: Interview with Takashi Iizuka and Shun Nakamura About Sonic × Shadow Generations. The Brand Theme is to Fully Convey Shadow’s Appeal, Depicting the Dark Hero Awakening to New Abilities
Knuckles Executive Producer Discusses Plans to Expand Sonic Cinematic Universe
Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) in Knuckles, episode 1, season 1, streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures/Sega/Paramount+.

Knuckles Executive Producer Discusses Plans to Expand Sonic Cinematic Universe

In an interview with Paste, Knuckles series executive producer discusses the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise and the plans to expand the cinematic universe into a Paramount+…

Continue ReadingKnuckles Executive Producer Discusses Plans to Expand Sonic Cinematic Universe
Translation: Sonic Symphony Will Soon Make Its Debut in Japan. Companions Shota Nakama, Jun Senoue, and Tomoya Ohtani Discuss the Latest Form of a Concert that is Stirring Excitement Worldwide

Translation: Sonic Symphony Will Soon Make Its Debut in Japan. Companions Shota Nakama, Jun Senoue, and Tomoya Ohtani Discuss the Latest Form of a Concert that is Stirring Excitement Worldwide

On February 11th, the Tokyo performance of the Sonic Symphony World Tour will be held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya Public Hall). In this event, an orchestra and a rock…

Continue ReadingTranslation: Sonic Symphony Will Soon Make Its Debut in Japan. Companions Shota Nakama, Jun Senoue, and Tomoya Ohtani Discuss the Latest Form of a Concert that is Stirring Excitement Worldwide
Translation: Sonic Superstars Includes Intro Animations and Endings for Each Character! Interview with Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima [TGS2023]

Translation: Sonic Superstars Includes Intro Animations and Endings for Each Character! Interview with Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima [TGS2023]

Tokyo Game Show 2023 held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from September 21st to 24th. We bring you an interview with Takashi Iizuka (Producer of the Sonic series) and Naoto…

Continue ReadingTranslation: Sonic Superstars Includes Intro Animations and Endings for Each Character! Interview with Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima [TGS2023]
Translation: What is the “Other Reason” Why Sonic is Blue that Has Never Been Talked About Before? A Number of Anecdotes that Jumped Out in the Sonic Superstars Interview [TGS2023]

Translation: What is the “Other Reason” Why Sonic is Blue that Has Never Been Talked About Before? A Number of Anecdotes that Jumped Out in the Sonic Superstars Interview [TGS2023]

The Tokyo Game Show 2023 (TGS) was held over four days from September 21, and at the Sega/Atlus booth, it was possible to try out Sonic Superstars, which is set…

Continue ReadingTranslation: What is the “Other Reason” Why Sonic is Blue that Has Never Been Talked About Before? A Number of Anecdotes that Jumped Out in the Sonic Superstars Interview [TGS2023]
Famitsu Translation: Worldwide, it sold 3.5 million copies, over three times as many as the previous installment. But ‘we can do even better.’ Looking back on the new horizon that Sonic Frontiers has opened – a one-year anniversary interview.

Famitsu Translation: Worldwide, it sold 3.5 million copies, over three times as many as the previous installment. But ‘we can do even better.’ Looking back on the new horizon that Sonic Frontiers has opened – a one-year anniversary interview.

Sonic Frontiers, released on November 8, 2022, features expansive open zones where Sonic races. Speed, the thrill of racing through beautiful grasslands, well-placed and satisfyingly rhythmic gimmicks, ancient ruins, a…

Continue ReadingFamitsu Translation: Worldwide, it sold 3.5 million copies, over three times as many as the previous installment. But ‘we can do even better.’ Looking back on the new horizon that Sonic Frontiers has opened – a one-year anniversary interview.
SEGA Releases Video Interview With Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima Answering GamesCom Fan Questions

SEGA Releases Video Interview With Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima Answering GamesCom Fan Questions

During GamesCom, SEGA invited fans to submit their questions on Twitter to be answered directly by the game's producers, Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima. Today, SEGA released the promised video…

Continue ReadingSEGA Releases Video Interview With Takashi Iizuka and Naoto Ohshima Answering GamesCom Fan Questions