SEGA has officially announced Sonic Rumble, a new mobile game characterized as a 32-player battle royale.
Key dates: After months of rumours, Sonic’s Fall-Guys-esque battle royale game was formally scheduled for a Winter 2024 release across iOS and Android devices, with a closed beta test running from 24 – 26 May for U.S. residents.
- Alongside the announcement on the main Sonic social channels, the official website and dedicated social media accounts for the game were launched on Facebook and the site formerly known as Twitter.
Key details: Players in Sonic Rumble will race “against each other to collect the most rings and prove themselves to be the fastest in the toybox.”
- Described as a “a twisted toy world created by the notorious Dr. Eggman.”
- Various Sonic characters will be available for customization.
The trailer gave fans a glimpse into the gameplay and levels on offer in Rumble, including unexpected level inclusions like Starlight Carnival from Sonic Colours.
- In-game costumes like Pirate Sonic and Pirate Shadow, first seen in SEGA HARDLight’s mobile games, were also shown, alongside a further peek at the extended cast available to play in Rumble.
- The emotes in the game’s official Discord server also hinted at future costumes available in the game, including Detective Tails from The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog and Soap Shoes Sonic.
The plot: Per the press release from SEGA, plot details of the game were revealed.
- The upcoming Sonic mobile game invites players to enter a twisted toy world created by the notorious Dr. Eggman.
Where can I play: Closed-beta sign-ups are open on the official website.
- However, entries will only be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis, and the test is only open to users in the United States above 13 years of age.
- Registrations for the test close 19 May, and those who sign up gain access to the official Discord server for the game, managed by Rovio.
Why it matters: It’s the first mobile game co-developed, co-managed and co-published by SEGA and Rovio, which SEGA completed its acquisition of last year.
- It’s part of the former’s “transmedia” strategy to diversify the blue blur in different media landscapes.
- “Developed and managed by SEGA in collaboration with Rovio, known for the global success, Angry Birds, Sonic Rumble is the first title to be released jointly by SEGA and Rovio,” read the official press release.
- “SEGA aims to further expand the presence of the Sonic the Hedgehog brand within the global mobile gaming market with Rovio’s marketing expertise and experience.”
The schedule: Rumble is expected to be out by the 4th quarter of 2024, but a play test was announced for U.S. residents to take place between 24 to 26 May 2024.
Multiplayer play sessions are set to be staggered according to this schedule available on the webpage for the closed beta test.
- 1st play session: May 24, 2024 (Fri) 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (PDT)
- 2nd play session: May 25, 2024 (Sat) 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PDT)
- 3rd play session: May 25, 2024 (Sat) 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (PDT)
- 4th play session: May 26, 2024 (Sun) 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PDT)
- 5th play session: May 26, 2024 (Sun) 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (PDT)
- Recommended system specifications: iPhone 11 or later; Android OS 8.0 or later; 4 GB RAM or more.
