The iconic gaming phrase “Sega does what Nintendon’t” might be a throwback, but the rivalry it represented still echoes today. While the relationship between Sega and Nintendo has softened considerably, with Sonic appearing on Nintendo consoles and even in shared games, Sega’s latest release, ‘Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’, seems to be playfully reigniting old sparks. An advert for the game closely mirrors a 1992 commercial that boasted superiority over Nintendo, and Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has even made subtle jabs at Mario Kart.
However, industry insiders suggest Sega is simply having fun and leveraging the enduring popularity of Mario Kart, especially since ‘Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ is available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo’s Switch. This approach helps Sonic appeal to a broader audience and introduces the character to new generations.
In an era where games like Fortnite and Roblox dominate, ‘Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ is adopting a “live service” model. This means regular updates with new characters and a “season pass” for extra content, aiming to keep players engaged long after the initial launch. Iizuka emphasizes the goal of providing a constantly refreshing and enjoyable experience. This strategy is crucial as game development times and costs continue to soar, with many titles now taking over five years to produce.
The strategy of continuous content drops is seen as a smart move to maintain player interest, especially for established franchises. Sega is also reviving dormant series like Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio, demonstrating a commitment to both new experiences and beloved classics. While remakes of the Sonic Adventure series aren’t on the cards, as the team prioritizes creating new worlds with advanced technology, Sega has a history of re-releasing older titles. Industry experts believe there’s room for outsourcing remakes to talented fans if the core team focuses on new creations, striking a balance between honoring the past and innovating for the future.