Roblox is a platform that allows users to design and program their own games with no prior experience. It boasts a vast and diverse library of games by independent creators who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get their work out there. However, that doesn’t mean that games from AAA franchises never find their way to the Roblox platform.
Sega of America partnered with indie Roblox developer Gamefam to create an officially licensed Sonic the Hedgehog game on the platform. As a result, Roblox players can now play the new Sonic Speed Simulator for free.
Sonic Speed Simulators comes about a week after Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hit theaters on April 8th. The open-world multiplayer game lets players zoom across four different areas inspired by classic Sonic levels such as the Green Hill Zone. Players can experience the game using either their Roblox avatars or Sonic and his friends. It also adds RPG elements to the Sonic universe, letting players level up their characters by traveling long distances and collecting items such as Chaos Orbs. Doing so allows them to increase the character’s speed, letting players dash across the landscape at greater and greater velocity. Developers also intend to introduce new content like Bosses and a fifth level in an update somewhere down the road.
According to developers, the Roblox platform itself posed a significant challenge to the game’s development. While Roblox is designed to be easy to use, the developers of Sonic Speed Simulator had to balance the expectations that fans have for both a Roblox g ame and an AAA Sonic title. Not to mention the developer had to do all of that while working within the technical limitations of the Roblox Studio engine.
However, despite the difficulties, Gamefam and Sega of America seem pleased with the final product. When talking to Polygon, Gamefam CEO Joe Ferencz described how Sega supported the project heavily, helping it look and feel like an official Sonic the Hedgehog game. According to Ferencz, this especially comes through when players move at high speed. Ferencz gave a lot of credit to Gamefam’s producers, designers, and animators but emphasized that Sonic Speed Simulator wouldn’t have been possible without significant support from Sega of America. As a result, he’s hopeful that the game will appeal to both long-time Sonic fans and Roblox players who’ve never picked up a Sonic game before.
Players can download Sonic Speed Simulator via the Roblox app on Android, iOS, Mac, Windows PC, and Xbox One. Presumably, it will also be available on PlayStation, assuming rumors are true about Roblox coming to the Sony platform. Hopefully, Gamefam’s optimism is not misplaced, and Sonic Speed Simulator proves to be a hit with both of its target audiences.
Roblox is available now on PC, Xbox One, and mobile devices.