Summary
A developer from Sega has suggested the upcomingCrazy Taxireboot is bigger than most might have expected, calling it a AAA game. During The Game Awards 2023, Sega announced thatCrazy Taxiand several other classic IPs from the publisher were all getting brand-new entries. A trailer at the event gave brief snippets of these reboots' gameplay, with theCrazy Taxireboot retaining its cartoonish art style and objective of delivering passengers to their destination quickly using drifts, crazy jumps, and other maneuvers to earn a high score.
Details about these games have been rather light, though Sega briefly outlinedwhat to expect from theCrazy Taxireboot, stating that players will be driving around Crazy City, and that it would be a “fusion of nature and city.” While not much has been given about these games, a Sega executive has indicated the possible scope of the upcomingCrazy Taxireboot.
Who is Crazy Taxi’s Developer?
In an interview withThe Japan Timesand Sega executive Takaya Segawa, he states that the Sapporo studio is supporting a number of titles in development.Sega opened up a new studio in Sapporoback in 2022, with Takaya Segawa (chief producer of Sega’sPhantasy Star Online 2) becoming its President and CEO. When asked about what titles the Sapporo studio is assisting Sega with, he mentions that they are participating in the development of AAA games, includingCrazy Taxi. “We’re responsible for titles such asPhantasy Star Online 2: New GenesisandHatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!in cooperation with the bases in Tokyo and overseas,” Segawa says. “We are also participating in the development of Triple-A titles, includingCrazy Taxi.”
What Does Crazy Taxi Being a AAA Game Mean?
Crazy Taxibeing a AAA game likely means not only a bigger budget, but it could be bigger in scope than just a simple remaster or remake of the arcade classic, though it might be difficult to pull off. For reference, theoriginalCrazy Taxigames were arcade games first, meaning the goal was to get the most points before time ran out, rather than exploring a narrative or completing a level. While the console versions ofCrazy Taxiadded things like mini-games or alternate modes,Crazy Taxi’s core gameplay was meant to be played in short bursts.
We’re responsible for titles such asPhantasy Star Online 2: New GenesisandHatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!in cooperation with the bases in Tokyo and overseas. We are also participating in the development of Triple-A titles, including Crazy Taxi.
Earlier this month, aSega leaker gave more details on theCrazy Taxirevival, stating that there actually will be two games instead of just one. One will be a remake, while the other will be a reboot with online elements, with one of them targeting a 2027 release. Connecting this leak and Segawa’s comment about the newCrazy Taxicould mean that the scope of it being a AAA game is due to the online elements incorporated. That said, this is just speculation at this time, and fans should wait till more official information is given about this upcomingCrazy Taxigame.
Crazy Taxi
WHERE TO PLAY
Crazy Taxi started life in arcades before later being ported to the Sega Dreamcast and various other home consoles. The game has players working as a taxi driver in a San Francisco-inspired city and features heavy product placement, with passengers often asking to be dropped off at places like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Tower Records.
