News – Sega Aim To Make Sonic An Entertainment Icon Once More
For anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, the notion of making Sonic an entertainment icon may be slightly confusing. Not only was Sonic one of the most famous names in all of gaming, but the character could also be found within cartoons, comics (which still run today), and even on a range of everyday products. In fact, even 25 years later, there aren’t many characters more synonymous with gaming than Sonic the Hedgehog.
Returning To The 90s
However, for many it could be argued that in recent years the overall brand of the character has diminished somewhat slightly. Although probably not in the mind of the average retro gamer. Nevertheless, Sega has plans not only to return the character to the height of his popularity back in the 90s, but also to even exceed this.
These comments came from SEGA’s Chief brand officer Ivo Gerscovich, who recently discussed Sega’s future plans for the iconic hedgehog. Speaking with MCV, Gerscovich said that:
We are really focused on turning Sonic into an entertainment icon, not just a games icon. We want to go across all platforms and elevate his status even further, which explains why we are doing so much. Sega is really–as of this last year–putting a huge emphasis on quality.
A Huge Emphasis On Quality
Whilst the idea of making Sonic an entertainment icon may be an obvious statement, the last part is also of particular interest. You see, whilst Sonic may be celebrating his 25th Anniversary this year, some will argue the quality of the titles has diminished somewhat in recent years. This is especially true of the widely disliked Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), and recent Sonic Boom games.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that it isn’t just the 16-bit classics that are widely loved, with many 3D entries equally well received, most notably the Sonic Adventure series. As such, a focus on returning to the quality of these classics definitely can’t be a bad thing. In fact, this focus on quality can already be seen within the recent critically acclaimed CGI animated tie-in to the Sonic Boom series.
This year may be Sonic’s 25th Anniversary, but it looks like Sega are already looking to his 50th. Although for many of us retro fans, Sonic’s quality is something is something that will never diminish. Well, at least when it comes to the 16-bit classics, and the iconic cartoons of the 90s.
Either way though, hopefully Sega’s long terms goals for legendary character can make him an iconic for the next generation, and even the generation after that. Sonic certainly deserves it.