SEGA revealed Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a long-awaited entry in the blue blur’s racing spinoff, during The Game Awards 2024. Despite only showing off a short teaser, its appearance has made quite heated speculations among the community. According to deleted posts and reports, the game will be handled by an elite racing developer, with mechanics inspired by previous Sonic racing games.
An X post from The Game Awards, which has been since deleted, hinted that @SEGAHARDlight might lead development for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Industry insider Midori also suggested Sumo Digital could also be involved.
SEGA Hardlight, based in the UK, is known for Sonic spinoffs like Sonic Dash, Sonic Forces Mobile, and Sonic Racing. Sumo Digital, on the other hand, developed fan-favorites Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing and Racing Transformed.
However, recent updates from SEGA Japan point to a different development team. @SEGA_OFFICIAL called it a project by the ‘elite SEGA racing game team.’
While the exact studio remains unconfirmed, speculation centers on SEGA’s amusement and arcade veterans. AM2, creators of OutRun and Daytona USA, and AM3, behind Sega Rally and Crazy Taxi, are strong contenders. This theory fits SEGA’s current efforts to revive a variety of its iconic but dormant series. But that’s not all the surprise.
Beyond the 30-second trailer showing off Shadow, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds might’ve teased references to older Sonic racing games. For instance, the tarp behind Shadow’s car resembles hoverboards from Sonic Riders. Eagle-eyed fans also noticed a reflection resembling Sonic’s glasses at the 0:23 mark in the trailer. These hints strongly suggest Sonic Riders’ mechanics could be making a return.
Additionally, the official Sonic Japan @SonicOfficialJP account described CrossWorlds as ‘the greatest action racing game in SEGA history.’ This could hint that the game won’t just feature Sonic and his furry pals but also be a huge crossover game like Racing Transformed. Then, SEGA Asia’s website metadata revealed diverse tracks spanning land, sea, air, space, and even time itself.
While SEGA has yet to reveal much of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, these hints have left the fans in a frenzy. If it truly combines Riders and Transformed with new mechanics, the game could bring a fresh spin to Sonic’s racing series.
