Hope for a remaster or remake of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the popular 2003 open-world action-adventure game, has been reignited thanks to comments from series creator Matt Groening. While no official announcement was made at Disney's D23 event, Groening suggested during a separate panel that the game is "coming back in some form."
The Simpsons: Hit & Run, often compared to the Grand Theft Auto series, was released for GameCube, PlayStation 2, and the original Xbox. It garnered a significant fanbase, many of whom still discuss and reminisce about the game today. However, it has not been re-released since its initial launch, making it inaccessible on modern platforms for players without original hardware or the ability to emulate the title.
Fans have long requested a remaster or sequel to The Simpsons: Hit & Run, a sentiment echoed by its enduring popularity. Groening's remarks, though met with a jocular interjection from The Simpsons executive producer Matt Selman suggesting "or not," have nevertheless fueled optimism among the game's dedicated following.
In recent years, The Simpsons franchise has seen a notable video game presence through a mini-season in Fortnite, which introduced character skins, show-themed weapons, and Springfield as a Battle Royale map in late 2025. This recent integration, while entertaining, also amplified nostalgia for playing Hit & Run.
The exact nature of The Simpsons: Hit & Run's potential return remains unclear. Groening's statement that the game will come back "in some form" could indicate a full remake or remaster, or it might involve a re-release through backward compatibility initiatives on current-generation consoles. Sony regularly adds PS1, PS2, and PSP titles, including Disney-related games, to its PlayStation Plus Premium classics catalog. Microsoft has also been working to bring original Xbox titles to PC.
Currently, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is not part of Xbox's backward compatibility list. This situation prevents players with physical copies from enjoying the game on current-gen Xbox consoles. It is possible that Xbox and Disney are collaborating to secure the necessary licensing agreements with the game's developers for a potential PC or Xbox Series X release.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run offered a distinct experience, blending the beloved franchise with an engaging open-world format. The prospect of revisiting the game and its chaotic rendition of Springfield has fans eagerly anticipating official news on its potential revival.