- Sonic the Hedgehog is officially 35 years old this year
- Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka thinks he might not make it to the franchise’s 70th anniversary, but would “definitely want to play” future games if possible
- Iizuka also says he is “really proud” of the series
Sonic the Hedgehog is officially 35 years old, with anniversary celebrations underway this January, and to mark the occasion I sat down with Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka to discuss all things blue and spiky in a new interview for Summer Game Fest 2026.
The veteran developer explained that he “obviously” considers it almost his own child, revealing that he’s “been with Sonic longer than I’ve been with my own children” in real life. “I’m really proud,” he said.
Right now, the franchise is undeniably in a strong position, with fans impressed with the latest Sonic x Shadow Generations replay and the support for the ongoing racing title Sonic Racing: CrossWorldsso I was interested to find out where he thinks it will be in another 35 years.
The Japanese-speaking staff sitting in the interview room immediately started chuckling when he answered, and the translator could barely hold back a laugh when he revealed that “Iizuka-san doesn’t think he’ll be alive” to see it.
My suggestion that his spirit “will continue to live on in Sonic” didn’t help get things back on track.
“Sonic Team in Japan is a great group of people,” Iizuka added after a few more laughs.
“It’s really because of all the amazing people who create content for Sonic that we get things like Sonic X Shadow Generationsdo we get things like Limitswe’re getting all these amazing, new experiences,” he continued.
“They’re constantly challenging themselves, they’re constantly trying to make new fun gaming experiences, and so in 35 years, even though I don’t think I’ll still be working at Sega making games, as a gamer I’ll definitely want to play their experiences.”
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