Author Archives: Kori-Maru

SEGA and iam8bit Celebrate Sonic The Hedgehog’s 35th Birthday with Upcoming 35 Years of Speed: The Sonic Art Exhibit and Fan Art Showcase

by

SEGA is teaming up with iam8bit to celebrate 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog this year with 35 Years of Speed: The Sonic Art Exhibit. Taking place during the PAX West weekend in Seattle and later in September in Los Angeles, these special exhibitions showcase original works from more than 30 renowned artists, each reimagining iconic moments, characters, worlds, and memories from across Sonic’s rich history, along with historical artwork from SEGA’s archives. The gallery will also house fan art submissions from the community that can be submitted starting today!

  • Seattle Art Exhibit: 9/4/26 – 9/6/26 from 11:00am to 7:00pm PT (PAX West Weekend)

    • 210 Gallery

                     301 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

  • LA Art Exhibit: 9/26/26 – 9/27/26 from 11:00am to 7:00pm PT

    • ARK/8

                     115 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Additionally, SEGA and iam8bit are excited to announce The Sonic Fan Art Showcase.  For 35 years, Sonic has inspired generations through unforgettable worlds, iconic moments, and stories that continue to live on through the fans. Now, we’re inviting the community to help build a fan-built visual compilation of the Sonic Universe. Submissions are open today, and artists and fans around the world are invited to reimagine and bring to life iconic moments from across the Sonic universe.

Selected artists will earn a place in the global celebration of Sonic’s origins and evolution, showcasing how Sonic’s story and world have raced across generations, borders and mediums. Standout submissions will be selected for a “best of” visual showcase on SEGA’s official social media channels and website, and a select few will be featured at the 35 Years of Speed: The Sonic Art Exhibits.

No Comments

NEW Sonic the Hedgehog Short Form Animation Announced at Anime Expo 2026

by

Today, SEGA announced a new upcoming Sonic animated short – Sonic the Hedgehog: Memories and Beyond at Anime Expo 2026.

Releasing later in the fall of 2026 as part of Sonic’s 35th Anniversary programs, Dr. Eggman’s new evil scheme is to upgrade Metal Sonic into the ultimate fighting machine by stealing Sonic’s life-data and harnessing the power of the Chaos Emeralds. Sonic and his friends realize that to defeat Metal Sonic they must rely on the friendship they built through their adventures.

The new animated short was announced today at Anime Expo’s Sonic the Hedgehog Animated Shorts: A Frame-by-Frame Retrospective panel that celebrated 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog. Moderated by Aaron Webber, panelists included members of the Sonic art and animation team featuring Takashi Iizuka, Austin Keys, and Jasmin Hernandez, and special guests Tyson Hesse, Evan Stanley, and Alan Wan discussing their creative processes before announcing the new short.

1 Comment

VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS Character, Bakunawa Killer, Revealed in New Trailer

by

At Evo 2026 in Las Vegas, SEGA has released a brand-new trailer for VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS—scheduled to launch in 2027—revealing the “Bakunawa Killer,” a new character who will be featured in the story and playable in the game’s Versus Mode.

A series of attacks on martial artists has shaken the very streets of Vilasapara, the turbulent island city where the game’s story is set. The latest trailer depicts the mysterious man behind the attacks, the Bakunawa Killer, as well as Pai and Cielo, who are on the trail of his true identity.

VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS is an all-new installment in the iconic fighting game series that delivers a bold action-adventure experience that blends a cinematic narrative with the pure, realistic combat the franchise is known for.

Who do you think the Bakunawa Killer could be? Let us know in the comments below!

3 Comments

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 24, Pre-Orders Available

by

Today, SEGA® of America and Lizardcube officially announced that the acclaimed 2D action platformer SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance™ will release on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 24, 2026, and will be available in both digital and physical editions. It is available for pre-order via Nintendo.

Created in collaboration with Lizardcube, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance follows longtime series protagonist and master of the ninja arts, Joe Musashi, who arrives home from a previous adventure to find his village burned to the ground and his clan turned into stone. Driven by vengeance, Joe sets off on an epic quest, battling hordes of enemies and larger-than-life bosses across stunning hand-drawn worlds. Rife with multiple paths to discover or unlock and packed with smooth, satisfying gameplay, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance will have players attacking and reacting on the move— and keep them coming back for more.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance on Nintendo Switch 2 will retail starting at $29.99 USD. It is also available as a digital Deluxe Edition as well as a physical Deluxe Edition (see product page for pricing and details). The Deluxe Editions include the SEGA Villains Stage DLC which pits Joe Musashi against three legendary SEGA foes: the evil genius Dr. Eggman (Sonic the Hedgehog™), the “mad dog” of Shimano Goro Majima (Like a Dragon™/Yakuza™) and the ruthless giant Death Adder (Golden Axe™).

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance is also available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Nintendo Switch. For more details on the various digital and physical editions, pricing, downloadable demo and more please visit the official game website. For more information on all other SEGA games, please visit www.sega.com or follow along on YouTube, Instagram and X.

Ta X

3 Comments

Join SEGA at Anime Expo 2026 for Panels, Performances, and More!

by

Are you a SEGA or ATLUS fan living near the Los Angeles area and planning to attend Anime Expo this year? If so, there is good news! SPJA and SEGA detailed their line-up of panels and activations for fans at Anime Expo 2026 on July 2–5, 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

More information on the SEGA lineup can be found below and check out our website for all the offerings SEGA has at Anime Expo 2026.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

Sonic the Hedgehog Gets New Merch Collab with The Wobbles

by

Today, SEGA and The Woobles announced the upcoming Sonic x The Woobles Collection, launching today! This is the first collaboration between the two and brings some iconic Sonic characters to life.

This collection will feature three unique kits:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Tails
  • Knuckles

Along with a special mystery accessory kit, designed to add an extra element of surprise and creativity. Each kit has been thoughtfully curated and are designed for novices and experts alike to enjoy! You can purchase the Sonic x The Wobble collection on the official website.

 

No Comments

SEGA and SPJA Announce New Guests of Honor at Anime Expo 2026!

by

SEGA/ATLUS and SPJA has officially announced five new Guests of Honor coming to Anime Expo 2026! SEGA fans can look forward to hearing from Takashi Iizuka, Atsushi Nomura, Kazuhisa Wada, Shigenori Soejima and Yoshiyuki Asai at autograph sessions and panels.

You can find more details for each Guest of Honor, as well as information on their autograph sessions below.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments

SEGA Celebrates 35 Years of Sonic with Another Year of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Content and a New Sonic Indie Partnership

by

Today, during the Summer Game Fest 2026 livestream and in celebration of Sonic’s 35th Anniversary, SEGA offered a sneak peek for what’s to come with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds featuring a brand-new Year 2 update, as well as a new licensed indie game, SONIC PICO PARK, coming in 2026!

Check out full details from the press release below!

Continue Reading ➜

2 Comments

VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS Announced With Dedicated Showcase Revealing Story, Battle and Writing Team Details

by

During today’s Summer Games Fest Showcase, SEGA and RGG Studio revealed VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS, which is set to release in 2027.

Along with the announcement, SEGA and RGG Studio revealed a dedicated showcase, giving an extended look into the upcoming title, including the new story mode, the dynamic new battle system that delivers the hard-hitting realism the series is known for, and important details about the key writing talent behind this bold venture.

Check out more detailed information and screenshots of VIRTUA FIGHTER CROSSROADS from the official press release for the showcase below.

Continue Reading ➜

NOTen

3 Comments

Stranger Than Heaven Launches on January 17 With New Trailer Featuring Tupac

by

During today’s Summer Game Fest showcase, SEGA of America and Ryu Go Gotaku Studios premiered a new trailer for the highly anticipated action-adventure, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN.

The trailer, presented by Snoop Dogg, who voices Orpheus, showcased the game’s new cast additions, including legendary rapper and actor Tupac, and revealed the title will launch on January 17, 2027, for Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass.

STRANGER THAN HEAVEN will release on January 17, 2026, on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass. The game is available to waitlist across platforms. Hit the jump for the full press release!

Continue Reading ➜

2 Comments

RGG Studio Developer Sale on Steam Announced, Offering up to 75% Off Fan-Favorite Titles

by

The RGG Studio Developer Sale is now live on Steam, giving fans the chance to save up to 75% off critically acclaimed titles from the Yakuza, Like a Dragon, and Virtua Fighter franchises.

The deals include the deepest discounts yet on titles including Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (75% off), Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut (40% off), and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage (up to 50% off). A featured list of sales is below, and the full list is available on Steam.

The sale is launching alongside a new comedic live-action video featuring content creator ProZD, reprising his role to urgently inform a friend about the available deals while dressed as some of the series’ iconic characters. Some featured titles on sale include:

  • Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (75% off)
  • Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (75% off)
  • Lost Judgment (65% off)
  • Yakuza: Like a Dragon (60% off)
  • Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut (40% off)
  • Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (35% off)
  • Yakuza: Like a Dragon (60% off)
  • Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (70% off)
  • Judgment (70% off)
  • Yakuza Kiwami (40% off)
  • Yakuza Kiwami 2 (40% off)
  • Like a Dragon: Ishin! (70% off)
  • Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (50% off)
  • Yakuza 5 Remastered (50% off)
  • Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage (50% off)
  • Yakuza 4 Remastered (50% off)

No Comments

SEGA’s Upcoming Streets of Rage Film Finds New Writers and Director

by

According to Variety, the upcoming Streets of Rage film adaptation from Lionsgate is still moving forward, and it has now assembled a new creative team. According to reports, Sonic the Hedgehog film writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller have joined the project as the movie’s new screenwriters, while acclaimed filmmaker Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall, The Book of Clarence) has signed on to direct.

The project was originally announced in 2022 when Lionsgate acquired the rights to adapt SEGA’s legendary beat-’em-up franchise. At the time, John Wick creator Derek Kolstad was attached to write the screenplay. While Kolstad exited the project, Casey and Miller have now taken over writing duties for the latest draft.

While plot details remain under wraps, the adaptation is said to lean heavily into the elements that made the original games so memorable, including the series’ iconic cast of characters, pulse-pounding electronic soundtracks, and classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up action.

Find out more about the upcoming film by hitting the jump!

Continue Reading ➜

7 Comments

New Sakura Wars Returns On Stage With Shin Sakura Wars the Stage: Seiden TSURUGI

by

New Sakura Wars returns with a brand-new stage performance to celebrate Sakura Wars 30th anniversary titled “Shin Sakura Taisen the Stage: Seiden TSURUGI” (translated as “Shin Sakura Wars the Stage: Seiden TSURUGI“) with a promotional trailer announcing its performances at Theater Sun-mall in Shinjuku, Japan from September 18 to September 27, 2026.

This production will feature an original Another Story script set in the mystical city of Kyoto, marking a return to the stage 5 years after the 30th-anniversary milestone of the Sakura Wars series. The promotional trailer also showcases the new theme song, “Makoto no Tsurugi” (The Sword of Sincerity), composed by Kohei Tanaka, known for his work on Sakura Wars since the very beginning.

The play is directed by Tomoharu Suzuki and features a new ensemble cast, including Yuna Sekine as Sakura Amamiya and Yuri Ota as Asagi Todo. Every performance will include a live music segment and a post-show farewell event for the audience. Tickets are priced at 11,000 yen, and the first official HP lottery for tickets is open from May 29, 2026, to June 15, 2026.

If you’re planning to visit Japan around this time to check out the new Sakura Wars stage performance, let us know in the comments below!

No Comments

Arle Nadja and Puyo Puyo Content for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Arrives Today!

by

Today, SEGA officially released the free Puyo Puyo content for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Players can now speed around the track as Arle. Starting tomorrow, Thursday, May 28 at 8:00 PM ET and until Sunday, May 31 7:59 PM ET fans can jump in and earn festival points for decals, gadgets and more! The free Puyo Puyo Content Drop includes the following:

  • Arle from Puyo Puyo as a playable character
  • Arle’s vehicle, the Twinkle Bayoen
  • Special emotes and sounds, including 5 new songs added to the Jukebox:
  • 5 new songs from Puyo Puyo have been added to the Jukebox.
  • A Long-awaited Spacetime Journey!
  • A Long-awaited Spacetime Journey! 【for Final Lap】
  • A Long-awaited Spacetime Journey! Vocal Version
  • A Long-awaited Spacetime Journey! Vocal Version【for Final Lap】
  • A Long-awaited Spacetime Journey! – ver.PuyoTet 2 –

Players who own either the Standard (physical or digital) or Digital Deluxe versions of the game will automatically receive the free Puyo Puyo Content Drop. Please ensure that the game is updated to the latest version for the content to be downloaded properly.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is available now both digitally and physically on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC starting at $69.99 USD and on Nintendo Switch™, Nintendo Switch™- OLED Model, Nintendo Switch™ Lite starting at $59.99 USD. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also available digitally and physically for players at $69.99 USD.

 

1 Comment

SEGA Reveals New Sonic the Hedgehog Musical Experience with Sonic Live In Concert!

by

As a part of the year-long celebration of Sonic’s 35th anniversary, SEGA announced Sonic Live In Concert. Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the tour will debut in the US at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London’s Eventim Apollo on September 30.

Sonic Live In Concert will feature the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists and electronic elements. The US tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

You can find the performance schedule and more details in the press release below.

Continue Reading ➜

No Comments