Sonic Frontiers is an open world Sonic game coming in late 2022

‘For current and next-gen consoles’

Six months ago, Sega teased out a brand new Sonic game. All we saw was the ol’ ‘hog running, with a mysterious symbol at the end. Well, the cat is out of the bag thanks to tonight’s Game Awards announcement. Sonic Frontiers, the long-rumored name, is confirmed.

Here’s the kicker though: some of the ancillary rumors surrounding the project were also confirmed directly by Sega today. The game is described as “the iconic franchise’s first ever open-zone-inspired gaming experience,” which highlights the new open world nature of the upcoming Sonic title. It’s going to be handled by Sonic Team Japan, including producer Sachiko Kawamura and director Morio Kishimoto.

More info is arriving for Sonic Frontiers “in the coming months,” but for now we have a visual representation of what the game’s world will look like, as well as a release window: “late 2022,” which Sega also refers to as “holiday 2022.” Planned platforms confirmed by Sega include “current and next-gen consoles.”

Here’s a quick rundown from the publisher that gives us a bit more info:

“Worlds will collide in Sonic the Hedgehog’s newest adventure. An experience like never before, accelerate to new heights and experience the thrill of high velocity open-zone freedom. Battle powerful enemies as you speed through the Starfall Islands — landscapes brimming with dense forests, overflowing waterfalls, sizzling deserts and more! Planned for Holiday 2022.”

So multiple biomes are in this open world experience, set in the Starfall Islands. A conflict between Sonic and Dr. Eggman is at the forefront, with an “original storyline” penned by Ian Flynn. Let the Sonic Cycle begin!