A social media account understood to be a video game industry insider reminded Sonic the Hedgehog fans on Twitter late Sunday that the next open-zone game is indeed in development.
Why it matters: Many fans thought that the revelation of an open-zone sequel was a brand new detail, despite SEGA’s publicized promise to continue the concept in a future Sonic game.
- Notably, Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka remarked in an August 2023 interview that Frontiers‘ open-zone gameplay concept will serve as a formula for new titles to “build on for the next 10 to 20 years.”
Who issued the reminder? Social media user MbKKssTBhz5, known as “Midori” to followers on the site formerly known as Twitter. She corroborated various Sonic the Hedgehog and SEGA information in the past, including a leaked Sonic mobile game.
- “The title is a sequel to Frontiers in gameplay style,” Midori said in a reply to a user on the site formerly known as Twitter.
- Tweet continued, “But the name might change. Frontiers was Rangers until it was announced.”
The backdrop: Midori’s tweet was prompted by a Patreon post from Daniel Richtman, seen as a Hollywood industry leaker.
- Richtman’s six-word post, “Sonic Frontiers 2 is in development”, which came after a public tease on social media, was alleged to have misrepresented what was then-considered publicly available information as his scoop.
- Later, outlets and personalities appeared to erroneously suggest that a “Frontiers 2” was in development.
What we’re hearing: Richtman’s post spurred a notable reaction on Twitter and some prominent Discord circles.
- Midori appeared surprised that some fans assumed that the detail was “brand new.”
- Others criticized Richtman for allegedly spreading disinformation for monetary gain by locking the short blurb behind a Patreon paywall.
Zoom out: The ever-growing culture surrounding leaks and speculation fascinates many online communities, including the Sonic fandom.
- It’s despite the risks of misinformation by unsuspecting personalities, to disinformation from dubious actors.
- Earlier this year, a Sonic Official associate manager admitted that rampant remake speculation on social media influenced a decision to minimize the team’s official mentions of Sonic Adventure.
Meanwhile, the franchise carries on through the year with a mini-series, a theatrical film, a remaster, several concerts, and collabs all in the works.
