2017 was kind of a big year for Sonic the Hedgehog fans. This is because Sega released Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces. The franchise isn’t going away anytime soon because there might be more Sonic related projects on the way.
At the SXSW event, there will be a special Sonic Panel attended by many members of Sega. The people going to the event include Sega America’s Jasmin Hernandez, Aaron Webber, Takashi IIzuka, Austin Keys and Tyson Heese who is a Sonic illustrator.
You can read the official announcement below as posted on the SXSW website: “Sonic is back, and ready to take 2018 by storm. Join the official team from SEGA who are building Sonic’s future as they give you an update on last year’s strong performance of Sonic Mania and Sonic Forces, as well as the world-exclusive first look at what comes next for the fastest blue hedgehog. Speakers include Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka, Sonic PD Director Austin Keys, Sonic Mania Animation Director Tyson Hesse, and Sonic Social Media Manager Aaron Webber. You won’t want to miss this!”
Sonic Mania was the better game that came out in 2017 and many people regard it as the best Sonic games ever released since the original trilogy came out in the ’90s. Sonic Forces was kind of a step backwards as it underwhelmed a lot of people when it came out in November 2017.
It’s possible Sega will be very interested in developing a sequel for Sonic Mania. As for Sonic Forces, it’s likely a sequel will not be made and another 3D video game on the franchise will be made instead.
The Sonic the Hedgehog panel takes place at the Austin Convention Center Gaming Expo at 3:30pm to 4:30pm on March 16th, 2018. You want to head on over to the Discovery Stage at Exhibit Hall 2 to see it in person.