SEGA has been hard at work developing the latest installment in the Sonic The Hedgehog series. The new game, rumored to be called Sonic Rangers, is hoping to lay the foundation for future games in the series to follow, much like Sonic Adventure did 20 years ago.

In an interview with Sonic Stadium, Sonic Team Leader Takashi Iizuka spoke about the development process of the newest game, how his team tried to make “something new and challenging”, and what he hopes to see transpire in the future from it. Iizuka was asked if this game can be considered an “anniversary game” for Sonic’s 30th anniversary, to which he replied, “The new title in development is progressing towards a 2022 release, so I can’t really call it an Anniversary title.” Iizuka said that despite the game being announced during the 30th Anniversary stream for the series, Sonic 2022 isn’t necessarily an anniversary-related title and that the main reason for announcing it was to “reassure fans post-Sonic Force that a new game is indeed in development.”

Iizuka went on to continue saying, “However, Sonic Adventure laid the foundation for 20 years of Sonic titles after its release, so in the same way, I really hope that this new title releasing in 2022 lays the foundation for the following future Sonic titles — that is the idea behind the challenge for the team.” Sonic Adventure was released in 1998 to critical acclaim and was the first 3D Sonic game, and laid the foundation for games after it, such as its sequel, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic Heroes, and many other 3D Sonic games of that era.

Iizuka finishes the interview with Sonic Stadium by saying that there will be a lot to look forward to with Sonic 2022. “Since this title is still mid-development there is nothing I can speak to, but I did want to say that the development team has been spending their time to do something new and challenging,” Iizuka said. “Through a lot of trial and error the team is looking to present to everyone a new Sonic game, and I hope your warm support of their work can motivate them to really deliver against that challenge.” The Sonic Team looks to be pushing the boundaries for where the series can go next. If Sonic Adventure is being used as inspiration, they truly are aiming for something big.