Director of the Sonic series since Sonic Adventure up to Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Takashi Iizuka has served diligently as vice president of product development over in Japan since Sonic Team USA’s closure in 2008. However, he seems to now be leading a charge of some sort at SEGA America, a quote provided from Gamasuta attributed to Tatsuyuki Miyazaki states: “Plus, the Sonic business team, with Ivo’s strong leadership and the addition of renowned Sonic Team creator Iizuka in the Los Angeles office, SEGA of America is in the best position yet to diversify and grow its business. SEGA of America is entering new age of publishing[sic], and going back to the road to prosperity.” This news coincides with SEGA finalizing their acquisition of Atlus USA, whose CEO, Naoto Hiraoka, seems very excited to be working with the company.
It’s likely no coincidence that these two events happen alongside each other. Nor is it a coincidence that Iizuka returns to America at the new Los Angeles office just as things start rolling for Sonic’s 25th anniversary. There’s very little to speculate on what it could all mean, however. The press release is vague about exactly what Iizuka’s plans are; strengthening the ‘global brand’ is something brought up a couple times, but that’s about it. It could just as well mean he’s back in the US to oversee the 25th Anniversary project, or perhaps get directly involved. He could also just be stopping by to appear at events, many of which are in the coming months, both official and fan-sponsored. Whatever the case, we’ll keep you all posted on any news bits surrounding Iizuka or Sonic that appear.
(Img. from Aaraon Webber)
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Mod, I’ve got a couple questions I’m hoping you can answer to help me put all this in perspective. Last year, SEGA downsized in North America. Are they upsizing now? Before they downsized, did they have anyone as legendary as Takashi stationed over in the US?
If my knowledge serves me correctly, SEGA didn’t so much ‘downsize’ as it did restructure. I don’t believe they cut very many ties or closed down very many studios up till this point. As far as upsizing, I do not believe they have any intentions to do so at the moment. If they are, we do not know about it.
As far as other legendary designers or artist at SEGA America, I’m not sure. I certainly haven’t heard of any.
So what? SEGA’s doomed. They failed to make Rio games a good game so I highly doubt this will change it.
Also, This is Takashi lizuka we’re talking about. Every single game but a few minor ones he’s worked in is a complete flop.
Olympic games always suck. There was never any saving it. 8 B