SEGA revs up CRAZY TAXI for AAA treatment - but WHY

Sega is taking a bold step with its plans to reboot the iconic arcade franchise, Crazy Taxi, by positioning it as a triple-A title. Sega’s Sapporo Studio, alongside its Tokyo and international bases, is involved in the development of this high-budget version of the traditionally quirky and simple game. Takaya Segawa, head of the Sapporo Studio, mentioned their development contributions to other titles but stressed that the studio plans to independently develop its own games in the future.

This decision comes as part of Sega's strategy to revitalize several of its classic series, including Jet Set Radio and Streets of Rage, announced at The Game Awards last year. It is speculated that these revivals may be linked to Sega's ambitious "super game" project, which would justify the hefty investment in such a typically light-hearted game like Crazy Taxi. No further details have been disclosed, and fans must wait to see what Sega has in store for this classic title.

How is Sega planning to transform Crazy Taxi into a triple-A title?

Sega intends to give Crazy Taxi a significant budget and resources typically associated with triple-A games. By doing so, it aims to expand on the simple yet fun gameplay that the series is known for, potentially introducing more in-depth features, impressive graphics, and a broader scope of content.

Crazy Taxi has a legacy in gaming as a fast-paced, arcade-style cab driving game where players race against time to pick up and drop off passengers in a zany, often lawless depiction of city streets. This beloved game, known for its punk rock soundtrack and frenetic gameplay, has been around since its arcade debut in 1999, and it later moved to home consoles and mobile platforms. The upcoming revival as a triple-A title marks a significant transition for the game, promising to retain its chaotic charm while upscaling its production values and possibly gameplay complexity.