A beloved movie star
Designed to rival Mario, Sonic quickly became a popular character. However, SEGA, the company behind Sonic, had to stop manufacturing and focus solely on game publishing. They also expanded their presence to platforms that were once their competitors. Over time, SEGA encountered financial difficulties, mainly due to the decline of arcades in Japan. Nevertheless, Sonic remained a powerful symbol and continued to come to the rescue.
Recognition and praise
Shuji Utsumi, director of operations at SEGA, recently praised Sonic in an interview with the Japanese media Seizo-Trend. He acknowledged the significant influence of films, animated series, and other cultural projects related to Sonic. In the United States, these endeavors have been highly beneficial for the Sonic brand, boosting video game sales.
Massive success at the box office
It’s worth mentioning that the Sonic films have achieved massive success, grossing $320 million for the first installment in 2020 and $405 million for the second installment in 2022. Building on this triumph, SEGA and Paramount have planned an extended cinematic universe, including a third film and a confirmed live-action series. There are also rumors of a dedicated film featuring Tails.