Sonic the Hedgehog Devs Explain How Competing with Mario Influenced Development

Shmuplations.com has put together a collection of interviews chronicling the conception and development of the original and wildly successful Sonic the Hedgehog game, with comments from core team members Yuji Naka (programmer & team leader), Naoto Ōshima (designer & art director) and Hirokazu Yasuhara (planner) as well as the art director for the game’s sequel, Yasushi Yamaguchi.

Of particular note is the team’s rigorous analysis of their competitors, both in the videogame space and the wider character brand sphere, and their dedication to presenting an original and immediately appealing experience in a market already saturated with half-hearted copycats.