Radical Entertainment’s The Simpsons: Hit & Run became a fan favourite after launching in 2003, combining Springfield humour with the open-world driving structure popularised by Grand Theft Auto 3. Despite the steady stream of sequels, remasters and re-releases across gaming, the cult classic has never received an official revival.
The game is relatively accessible on modern PCs, but console players may soon have a more official way to revisit its early-2000s brand of Simpsons chaos. During Disney’s D23 event, series creator Matt Groening was asked whether Hit & Run could return.
“I think the original game is coming back in some form,” Groening replied. Current showrunner Matt Selman quickly added “or not”, leaving the remark suspended between an accidental reveal and a carefully placed tease. For now, there is no confirmed project, platform or release date.
Asked if there’ll be another The Simpsons: Hit & Run game, Matt Groening said: “I think the original game is coming back in some form…”
“…or not,” added current showrunner Matt Selman. The exchange has prompted speculation that an announcement may be approaching. #D23 pic.twitter.com/qC98wLeQsK
— Empire Magazine, August 14, 2026
Selman has a personal connection to the game: he worked as a writer on the 2003 sandbox driving title. Speaking earlier this year, around the time The Simpsons reached its 800th episode, he described Hit & Run as an unexpected cult success among the thousands of games based on the series.
When asked about bringing it back, Selman’s earlier answer was simply “never say never”. He also noted that he helped write the game in his mid-to-late 20s and had no idea at the time that it would develop such a lasting following. His comments were reported by People back in March of this year.
Why a remaster would make sense
The possibility arrives after The Simpsons appeared in a major Fortnite event, while several other licensed games from the same era have begun receiving modern ports and remasters. Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee, another cult favourite with a smaller but dedicated audience, is scheduled to receive a modern port in autumn 2026.
An HD version of Hit & Run could therefore provide a relatively cautious way to measure demand before committing to a new Simpsons spin-off. The timing would also place renewed attention on open-world driving games as Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to return to that format in autumn 2026.
Until an official announcement arrives, the safest reading is that The Simpsons: Hit & Run may be under consideration rather than formally confirmed. Fans revisiting classic cabinet design and home gaming setups can explore RETROCADE’s arcade news, browse the arcade machine range, or use the arcade machine buying guide when planning a retro-focused setup.
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