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- Image from Sonic x Shadow Generations courtesy of Sega

Even Shadow the Hedgehog Can’t Chaos Control Fans Regarding Potential New Game

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By David Gilbert | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 10:35 PM ET

New rumors have sparked in the gaming industry about a potential new game featuring Shadow the Hedgehog from a fresh patent from SEGA. For some dedicated fans, this speculation could indicate a remake of the classic PlayStation 2 title is finally on the horizon. Observant members of the Sonic community are responsible for these rumors, as they noticed the newly filed trademark earlier this month. Could this trademark be the first clue about a major new Sonic project?

Shadow the Hedgehog Trademark Sparks Rumors

In an early October post, a known Sonic news account on the social media platform X first shared this discovery of SEGA’s patent. Following this revelation, widespread discussion and theory-crafting were immediately triggered among fans. Furthermore, a new Shadow the Hedgehog game starring the popular anti-hero has been highly anticipated by many players.

With the original 2005 game celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2026, making a remake seems like perfect timing. According to one social media user, a remake would be a hilarious yet amazing choice for the franchise’s upcoming thirty-fifth anniversary. It’s normal for companies to file trademarks regularly, even without a specific product ready for launch. Despite its release two decades ago, Shadow the Hedgehog is experiencing a noticeable surge in popularity across various forms of media.

The 2024 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie marked the most recent appearance of the character, featuring iconic actor Keanu Reeves as his voice. Additionally, the recent Sonic collaboration with the game Fortnite made Shadow’s likeness available as cosmetic items. Given this broader context, what else could this new trademark possibly represent if not a video game? Regarding the patent, it’s unknown whether it relates to future merchandise, another media crossover, or something entirely unexpected.

Unleashing a Shadow Gaming Revolution

Screenshot from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 trailer, courtesy of SEGa.

Fans’ desire for a Shadow the Hedgehog remake is only gaining popularity, but recent statements from SEGA suggest it is an unlikely prospect. In a mid-2025 interview, the head of Sonic Team, Takashi Iizuka, addressed the topic of remakes directly. While he expressed his gratitude for the fans who love the older Sonic Adventure games, he’d also explain his team’s current development philosophy.

Iizuka stated that the amount of time and resources used to create a completely new Shadow the Hedgehog game from scratch would be similar to modernizing an old game to meet current standards. Consequently, he revealed bad news for Sonic fans that the studio currently has no plans for any remakes. Instead, he aimed to channel that energy into pioneering new experiences for the franchise.

Eclipsing Expectations Shadow’s Next Move

The unique and often criticized mechanics of the 2005 Shadow the Hedgehog game have arguably aged less gracefully than other classics. So, would a remake even be worth the immense effort Iizuka described? Well, it’s difficult to imagine his team undertaking such a massive revision project for the 2026 anniversary, especially if the development lead was being truthful.

Maybe the next Shadow the Hedgehog game will be an entirely new adventure, which would still be an exciting development for the community. Even if a new game isn’t promised from the recently filed SEGA patent, it may mean another type of product or partnership will be released instead. With the trademark now officially submitted, everyone is left wondering when the company will finally clarify its intentions.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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