- Sonic the hedgehog This year he officially turns 35 years old.
- Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka thinks he may not make it to the franchise’s 70th anniversary, but he will “definitely want to play” future games if possible.
- Iizuka also says he is “really proud” of the series.
Sonic the hedgehog officially turns 35, anniversary celebrations kicked off in January of this year, and to mark the occasion, I sat down with Sonic team boss Takashi Iizuka to talk all things blue and spiky in a new interview at Summer Game Fest 2026.
The veteran developer explained that “of course” he considers him almost like his own son and revealed that he has “been with Sonic longer than I have been with my own children” in real life. “I’m really proud,” he said.
Right now, it’s undeniable that the franchise is in a strong position, with fans impressed by the recent Sonic x Shadow Generations remake and support for the ongoing racing title Sonic Racing: CrossWorldsso I was interested to know where you think you will be in another 35 years.
The Japanese-speaking staff sitting in the interview room immediately began laughing as he responded, the translator barely containing his laughter as he revealed that “Iizuka-san doesn’t think he’ll be alive” to see him.
My suggestion that his spirit “will live on in Sonic” didn’t help get the process back on track.
“The Sonic Team in Japan is a great group of people,” Iizuka added after a few more chuckles.
“It’s really due to all the great people who create content for Sonic that we get things like Sonic X Shadow Generationswe get things like Borders“We get all these great new experiences,” he continued.
“They’re constantly challenging themselves, they’re constantly trying to create fun new gaming experiences, so in 35 years, even if 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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