Remakes and remasters remain a major part of modern game releases, but Sonic the Hedgehog producer Takashi Iizuka says Sega would rather direct its limited development resources towards new experiences.
In a new interview with Automaton, Iizuka was asked why Sonic has received fewer remakes and remasters than franchises such as Resident Evil. He acknowledged that fans regularly request updated versions of older games, including Sonic Unleashed, but explained that the team cannot do everything with its available resources.
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Why Sonic remakes are difficult
Iizuka’s position is that a remake is not necessarily a cheaper or easier alternative to developing a new title. A modern remake can require extensive work on its graphics, while the original gameplay may also need substantial changes because design elements that were acceptable in the past can feel rough by today’s standards.
In practical terms, remaking an older Sonic game can demand resources comparable to building a new game. That means Sega has to choose between revisiting an existing release and creating something unfamiliar for players. At present, Iizuka says the stronger preference is to deliver new games and new surprises rather than reproduce an earlier experience.
Older Sonic games are still on the team’s radar
The response does not dismiss the concerns of players who want to play older Sonic titles on current hardware. Iizuka recognised that some games are becoming difficult to access or play, and asked fans to be patient while those concerns remain under consideration.
That leaves room for future ways to make parts of the Sonic catalogue more accessible without necessarily committing to full remakes. A port, rerelease or other modern distribution option could preserve the original games while requiring a different level of development investment, although no specific plans were announced in the interview.
New releases versus preserving arcade history
The debate reflects a broader challenge across game development: audiences want both fresh releases and reliable access to older favourites. For arcade fans, preserving classic software and hardware can be just as important as following new projects. RETROCADE’s arcade machines and arcade machine buying guide offer a useful starting point for readers thinking about how to enjoy classic-style gaming at home.
For now, Sonic fans hoping for a Sonic Unleashed remake have no confirmed project to point to. Iizuka’s message is clear: Sega hears the requests, but its immediate priority is producing new Sonic games rather than remaking the past.
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