After previously confirming that a ‘completely new game’ was in the works, head of Sonic Team, Takashi Iizuka has now also confirmed that the new project will be released in 2017.
The news was shared by Gematsu, during the franchise’s 25th anniversary celebration. More details about the upcoming title will be released on July 22, during Sonic The Hedgehog’s Anniversary Party in San Diego.
Prior to the news of 2017 release window, Iizuka had already confirmed that a new game was being developed.
“We at Sonic Team – are developing a completely new game, as well as developing a full movie, actively done by Sony Pictures, and animation on Sonic Boom. We are also ready to improve sponsor ties. The most important thing is not the fact the series survived for 25 years, but how many games [were] developed. Our goal – add something new and overcome any potential hardships.”
SEGA’s Chief Brand Officer Ivo Gerscovich also revealed the industry’s huge plans to revive Sonic by making him an ‘Entertainment icon’ and not just a ‘Games icon.’
“We are really focused on turning Sonic into an entertainment icon, not just a games icon,” explained Gerscovich. “We want to go across all platforms and elevate his status even further, which explains why we are doing so much. SEGA is really – as of this last year – putting a huge emphasis on quality.”
Sonic Generations was released back in 2011 to celebrate Sonic’s 20th anniversary, and since then the Sonic Boom TV series aired in 2014. 3DS owners are also getting an installment in the Sonic Boom series, Sonic Boom: Fire and Ice, which releases September 27 in the US, September 30 in Europe and October 1 in Australia. Sonic is also due to make his own appearance in an expansion for LEGO Dimensions.
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