HARDlight is a UK-based game developer, which has been a part of Sega’s European branch, with an impressive resume of mobile games. This includes titles likeCrazy TaxiandChuChu Rocket! Universefor platforms like Apple Arcade. The studio however is best known for the multipleSonic the Hedgehogmobile games that have been released, such as the multiplayer racing gameSonic Forces Speed Battle, which contains a number of playable fan-favorite characters, some even originating from the current IDW Comics run.
Recently, new details have popped up regarding Sega HARDlight Studio, which gives fans an indication of the developer’s next project. This was a new job listing, with the company searching for a Lead Artist position for a new platform game. This is usually a position that is required for core development, which indicates that this project is still early in development. Regardless, this position seems could be for a new mobileSonic the Hedgehoggame, given the studio’s history in developing mobile titles for the series.
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ThisSega HARDlight job listingindicates that it will be for a game that is described to be a platformer, which would fit the mold of theSonicseries. Moreover, it states that this game is looking to be a “narrative-driven” platformer, which would be different from the approaches that other games developed by the studio have done. The job listing itself also notes that while it’s acknowledged to be a mobile game, it’s looking to be something on-par with console video games.
Interestingly enough, this job position seems to possibly line up with a leak that was posted on 4chan. This leak accurately detailed a number ofSonic-relatednews, such as theSonic Originscollection announcement,Sonic Frontiersnews throughout June, as well as the preview of theSonic Primeshow on Netflix Geeked. It also spoke of an upcoming project from Hardlight, where they described it as “Genshin Impactbut withSonic.”
The description of a narrative-based platformer does seem to fit the possibility of HARDlight developing aGenshin Impact-esque mobile game forSonic, givenGenshin’s mobile origins. This leak also states that this project will shift HARDlight’s priorities away fromSonic Forces: Speed Battle, with the game expected to close in the next few years. A 2D game is also expected to be shown off next year, which will feature Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, along withShadow the Hedgehogin his first playable appearance in 2D. That said, fans should take this leak with a massive amount of salt until an official announcement is made.
A newSonic the Hedgehogmobile game is rumored to be in development.
