The world of gaming has undergone a significant transformation with the shift to Gen 9 consoles. While the PlayStation 5 boasts cutting-edge technology, the PlayStation 4 remains a popular choice for millions of gamers worldwide. Recognizing this trend, SEGA, the powerhouse behind the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, has announced that future Sonic titles will continue to be released on the PS4.
This decision stems from a clear focus on maximizing reach and sales potential. According to Sony’s data, a substantial portion of active PlayStation users remain on the PS4, making it a vital platform for publishers seeking to capture a broad audience. Sonic Team producer Takashi Iizuka has stated that SEGA’s ultimate goal is to allow as many people as possible to experience the thrill of Sonic’s adventures.
“As a market we have the high-end machines, high-end consoles, [and on those consoles] we feel that we can make newer Sonic games that can express the speed of Sonic and with much better gaming UI as well. “However, we want to support the lower spec consoles as well. So even though the PS5 Pro is coming out, or new innovations or technology are coming out, we feel that it is important to support with the lower spec consoles and let many of the users keep playing Sonic.”
The release of Sonic Frontiers, the latest Sonic game, on both Gen 8 and Gen 9 consoles, including the Switch, reinforces SEGA’s commitment to reaching a diverse player base. This strategy allows more players to experience the latest Sonic titles, regardless of their console generation.
It remains to be seen whether SEGA’s new Super Games initiative, which may include a new Crazy Taxi game featuring online multiplayer and live service mechanics, will also target the PlayStation 4. However, given SEGA’s commitment to accessibility, it is likely that these titles will be available on a wider range of platforms to maximize their reach.
