Sonic creator Yuji Naka goes independent after Balan Wonderworld flop

"A simple game for smartphones" is next for the developer.
Image via Square Enix

Yuji Naka’s resume is impressive, having created Sonic the Hedgehog and produced Phantasy Star Online for Sega. Most recently though, he’s known for directing Balan Wonderworld for Square Enix. After that launch, it seems that he won’t be working for any big publishers, at least for now.

Recommended Videos

Balan Wonderworld was not a success (it sits at 51% on Metacritic as of the time of this writing), which led to Naka leaving Square Enix earlier this year. However, he’s not abandoning game development altogether. Taking to Twitter, he thanked fans for birthday wishes and revealed his latest plans.

According to the tweet, Naka is working independently on a “simple smartphone game” made with Unity. His new work is independent in the strictest sense he’s the sole developer. We’ll have to wait to see just what kind of app he’s making, even if he doesn’t consider it “a big deal.”

As for Naka’s past work, the blue blur is in the zeitgeist again thanks to Sonic Colors Ultimate. Originally released in 2010, the game has been remastered with an improved frame rate, better graphics, a newly recorded soundtrack, and additional features. It’s available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Yuji Naka sued Square Enix over removal from director role of Balan Wonderworld
Read Article Balan Wonderworld director Yuji Naka officially leaves Square Enix and “might retire”
Read Article How to get the three Fighting Styles in the Chapter 4 boss in Balan Wonderworld
Read Article Balan Wonderworld receives suspicious surge of positive Metacritic user reviews
Read Article How to get rainbow raindrops and what to do with them in Balan Wonderworld
Related Content
Read Article Yuji Naka sued Square Enix over removal from director role of Balan Wonderworld
Read Article Balan Wonderworld director Yuji Naka officially leaves Square Enix and “might retire”
Read Article How to get the three Fighting Styles in the Chapter 4 boss in Balan Wonderworld
Read Article Balan Wonderworld receives suspicious surge of positive Metacritic user reviews
Read Article How to get rainbow raindrops and what to do with them in Balan Wonderworld
Author
Tony Wilson
Tony has been covering games for more than a decade. Tony loves platformers, RPGs and puzzle games.