Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series producer, Takashi Iizuka, has addressed the community's requests for more remasters and remakes of classic titles, explaining that the focus remains on developing new games due to resource limitations.
In a recent interview with Automaton, Iizuka acknowledged fan desires for games like a potential Sonic Unleashed remaster. However, he emphasized that Sega's resources are finite. "Rather than using those limited resources to make remakes and remasters, we have a stronger desire to provide fans with new games and deliver new surprises," Iizuka stated.
He further elaborated that remaking older titles demands a significant investment comparable to creating new games. "With remakes and remasters, you’re essentially providing the same experience again. But these days, remaking an old game requires about as many resources as creating a new title. You have to remake all the graphics, and you can’t simply release the gameplay as it was back then because many things are deemed rough by modern standards."
While Iizuka expressed a strong desire to concentrate on new titles, he also noted that Sega hears concerns about older games becoming unplayable. "I’d like to ask you to please wait a little longer," he concluded, hinting at potential future accessibility for some parts of the Sonic back catalog.
This approach contrasts with the recent trend of remakes and remasters dominating the gaming landscape, where franchises like Resident Evil have seen considerable success with updated versions of their beloved entries.