The Simpsons: Hit & Run may be making a comeback, more than two decades after its 2003 release. Series creator Matt Groening offered fans a tantalising hint at D23, although no formal announcement has been made.
Matt Groening hints at a return
During a panel at D23, Groening was asked about the possibility of a sequel to the much-loved driving adventure. He said the original game was “coming back in some form”, prompting immediate excitement among fans.
That statement came with an important qualification. The Simpsons executive producer and showrunner Matt Selman quickly interjected with “or not”, making it clear that the project has not been confirmed. For now, Groening’s comment is best treated as a hopeful tease rather than a release announcement.
Why Hit & Run remains difficult to play
Released in 2003, The Simpsons: Hit & Run delivered an open-world, crime-game-inspired take on Springfield. Players could drive around the town, complete missions and interact with familiar characters from the television series.
The game appeared on Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and the original Xbox. It has never received a re-release, leaving modern players with limited options: they need a physical copy and a working older console, or they must turn to emulation.
That lack of current-platform support is a major reason fans have spent years asking for either a remaster or a sequel. A modern version on systems such as PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2 would be considerably more convenient than maintaining ageing hardware.
Fortnite renewed interest in Springfield
The franchise’s most prominent recent video-game appearance came through a Fortnite mini-season launched in late 2025. It added The Simpsons characters as skins, introduced weapons inspired by the show and transformed Springfield into a Battle Royale map.
The crossover gave fans a new way to visit the animated series’ world, but it also highlighted how long it has been since players could properly return to Hit & Run. For more coverage, browse the RETROCADE arcade blog or watch the latest arcade videos.
What could “some form” mean?
Groening’s wording leaves several possibilities open. The game could receive a full remake, a conventional remaster or a straightforward re-release. It could also become part of a platform holder’s backwards-compatibility or classics programme.
PlayStation adds selected PS1, PS2 and PSP games to the PlayStation Plus Premium classics catalogue each month, including Disney-related titles such as Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Microsoft has also begun an initiative focused on bringing several original Xbox games to PC.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run is not currently included on Xbox’s backwards-compatibility list. As a result, owning the original Xbox disc does not allow players to run it on current-generation Xbox consoles.
A modern Xbox or PC release could also require Disney and Xbox to resolve licensing arrangements involving the game’s developers. No details have been provided about whether such discussions are taking place.
A distinctive Simpsons game worth revisiting
Hit & Run stood out because it combined a recognisable television cast with free-roaming driving, comic missions and a Springfield setting. That particular mix is difficult to reproduce, which helps explain why the game continues to attract discussion long after its original release.
Whether Groening’s remark leads to a remaster, remake, sequel or simple re-release remains unknown. Until more information arrives, fans can only hope that the next official version lets them race through Springfield again, evade the authorities and hear Homer repeat his “evil Homer” refrain.
For readers building a home gaming setup, RETROCADE’s arcade machines provide a dedicated way to enjoy classic-style play, while racing simulators suit anyone drawn to the game’s driving side. Those planning a custom project can also explore the DIY arcade kits.
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