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Sonic boss Takashi Iizuka says deep cut Sonic characters could join CrossWorlds as future DLC
January 24, 2026Sega’s Takashi Iizuka has confirmed the team is open to adding deep cut Sonic characters, including those from the animated TV series, Sonic Boom, or IDW comics, as DLC for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, affirming, “We want Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to represent all eras of Sonic.”
Takashi Iizuka, Sega’s chief creative officer for Sonic the Hedgehog, has indicated that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds may see a wave of new downloadable content (DLC) featuring lesser-known or “deep cut” Sonic characters. Since its release in September 2025, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has steadily expanded its roster with both free and paid crossover additions, including notable guests such as Hatsune Miku, Persona’s Joker, Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga, NiGHTS, Pac-Man, Minecraft, and SpongeBob SquarePants. These updates have positioned the game as a significant alternative in the kart racing genre, directly competing with titles like Mario Kart, while offering fans a diverse array of characters from across Sega’s history and collaborative partnerships.
Sega’s Approach to DLC: “A natural extension of the Sonic universe”
During an interview with MCV magazine, Iizuka responded directly when asked if future DLC could include deep cuts from the Sonic universe, such as characters originating from the 1993 animated Sonic TV series, the Netflix adaptation Sonic Boom, or the IDW Sonic comic line. He stated:
“There’s a lot of passion around the extended Sonic universe, and we’re open to including the ‘deep cut’ characters if the opportunity feels right. We want Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to represent all eras of Sonic.”
Iizuka elaborated on the criteria for selecting crossover characters for DLC:
“Sega has such a rich cast of characters, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a great place to celebrate that legacy. We’re always thinking about who might be next, so keep an eye out for more announcements down the line as the Season continues.”
When discussing what makes a character a suitable fit for the CrossWorlds roster, Iizuka added:
“We look for something fun and visually unique that feels like a natural extension of the Sonic universe and not just a marketing opportunity.”
This suggests fans could see appearances from seldom-used or fan-favourite Sonic characters in future DLC, beyond the game’s current all-star line-up.
Behind the Scenes: DLC Collaborations and Company Partnerships
On the development and collaboration process, Iizuka revealed the diligence and strategic planning behind integrating external franchise characters:
“We started [talking to partners] long before launch, and most partners were very enthusiastic. These collaborations take care and time, especially to get them right for the fans. As for companies who passed … we won’t name names, but we’re always open to conversations in the future!”
Regular DLC has already included pop culture icons and characters from multiple Sega and non-Sega franchises. The game’s director, Masaru Kohayakawa, has hinted that even bigger surprises are slated for the coming year, although no specific new characters have been formally announced.
Sega’s openness to negotiation with external brands and ongoing discussions with partners means that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will likely continue to announce both familiar Sega favourites and unexpected guest characters.
Sonic’s 35th Anniversary and Expanded Franchise Activity
Earlier this month, Sega confirmed its plans for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th anniversary in 2026, signalling an aggressive schedule of cross-media and fan engagement activities. The anniversary celebrations will include:
- Digital content showcasing Sonic’s evolution over the decades.
- Local and global fan meet-ups.
- Brand and retail partnerships with limited-edition merchandise.
- Museum pop-ups and art exhibitions.
- Live concert events.
- A new narrative podcast series.
These events underscore Sega’s commitment to keeping Sonic visible across media, leveraging both nostalgia and fresh content to engage old and new fans alike.
Key Facts: Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds DLC and Anniversary Initiatives
- Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launched in September 2025.
- Current crossover roster features characters like Hatsune Miku, Persona’s Joker, Ichiban Kasuga, NiGHTS, Pac-Man, Minecraft, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
- Takashi Iizuka: The team is “open to including the ‘deep cut’ characters” as DLC.
- Sega aims to “represent all eras of Sonic” within CrossWorlds.
- New announcements expected as the season continues; no specific deep cut characters yet confirmed.
- Sonic’s 35th Anniversary in 2026 includes digital retrospectives, live concerts, art shows, exclusive merchandise, and a new podcast.
For fans and the gaming community, Iizuka’s statements are a clear signal to expect both nostalgic and unexpected expansions in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, while Sega’s flagship brand enjoys a year-long global celebration.
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