Happy 35th, Sonic: Sonic Team boss on anniversary plans and how Mania inspired new indie collab
Today marks Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary, with Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka reflecting on the iconic franchise’s three-decade history. Iizuka shared his favorite behind-the-scenes memory from the franchise’s development, highlighting the creation of Sonic Adventure as both a favorite and one of the most challenging projects in his tenure.
Sonic Adventure represented a significant turning point for the franchise, as the team transitioned the classic Sonic game experience and character into an entirely new three-dimensional world. According to Iizuka, the development was ambitious and complex—no one involved had a clear vision of how the transition would work or what the final product would become during the early stages of production.
Beyond reminiscing on past achievements, Iizuka also discussed the franchise’s plans for its 35th anniversary celebration. The interview touches on how Sonic Mania, the franchise’s acclaimed side-scrolling revival, has influenced Sonic Team’s current direction and approach to game development. Notably, the anniversary is being marked with new indie collaborations, suggesting the franchise continues to evolve through partnerships with independent developers.