Sonic the Hedgehog: The Kid’s Still Got It!

How Sonic the Hedgehog is keeping up the pace at 30 years old.

August 23, 2021

Racing through a world of loops, spikes, platforms and boss fights or collecting rings, saving critters and destroying Dr. Eggman’s claptrap contraptions ... The characteristic universe of Sonic the Hedgehog has been an entry point to gaming for generations of players, whether it’s the 16-bit loops of the SEGA Genesis or the high-octane HD action of his latest console releases. After he first set off in 1991’s “Sonic the Hedgehog,” the Blue Blur has been moving at light speed for 30 years across countless titles and selling 1.14 billion copies (source: SEGASammy). Now, with an animated Netflix series, co-produced by Wildbrain, a sequel to the live-action movie in the works, a brand-new console title and the next three decades in the crosshairs, SEGA speaks exclusively to License Global about how a blue hedgehog built an empire of fans.

“I’m Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog.”

If you mention Green Hill Zone, The Chemical Plant Zone or the Casino Night Zone to any veteran gamer, the chances are you’ll

get an instant monologue about the iconic noises, soundtracks and challenges or an in-depth view on how much Sonic impacted their childhood. That was the power of the Sonic brand, and it’s stood the test of time. Just like the “other guy” of gaming, Sonic has been entertaining kids and adults for decades.

“Sonic burst on the scene in the 1990s as a newly introduced competitor to Nintendo’s Mario, and became one of the biggest pop culture icons of all time,” says Alexander Gomez, director, licensing and partnerships, SEGA of America. “He was presented to fans as a playful, speedy hedgehog who never shied away from an adventure. He and his friends have been in pursuit of justice for three decades, and it has certainly shaped SEGA. Sonic and friends are now some of the most recognized and beloved characters across the globe.”

Want to learn more? Check out the August issue of

License Global

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