Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Pac-Man World 2 Join Forces

The upcoming release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is generating excitement in the gaming community, particularly due to its collaboration with Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac. This partnership marks a significant milestone as both franchises celebrate their legacies, with Pac-Man commemorating its 45th anniversary. At Gamescom 2025, producers from both games discussed the unique features and collaborations that fans can expect.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to feature Pac-Man as a playable character, alongside a specially designed track inspired by the iconic series. In return, Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, a modern remake of the beloved platformer, will include a Sonic-themed downloadable content (DLC) pack, which features the recognizable Green Hill Zone as a playable stage. This two-way collaboration aims to delight fans of both franchises and highlights the synergy between the two gaming giants.

One of the standout features of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is its cross-platform online play, a capability that has been well-received in early previews. Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, expressed that the most exciting aspect of the game may not be its multiplayer capabilities but rather the innovative Travel Rings. “When you come to the second lap, you’ll pass through a Travel Ring that takes you to a completely different world,” Iizuka explained. “This surprise element is something which really stands out. Every time you play, there’s something new, exciting, and surprising.”

The concept of the Travel Rings allows players to explore various popular franchises, including Minecraft and SpongeBob SquarePants, in addition to Pac-Man. This intertwining of game worlds presents a fresh approach to racing games, as players can experience diverse environments and challenges.

Yuji Yoshii, producer on Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, noted how the collaboration originated. “Initially, we were approached by Sega,” he stated. “They said it would be wonderful to have Pac-Man in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. But we also thought that a two-way collaboration would be great, so that was something we proposed to Sega.” Yoshii further emphasized the excitement around the Travel Ring system, showcasing the creativity involved in merging both universes.

In addition to the Travel Rings, the gadget system in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds adds another layer of strategy to the gameplay. Players can equip various gadgets, enhancing their racing experience and providing opportunities for tactical advantages. Iizuka acknowledged concerns about potential imbalances within the system. “If you’re really good at drifting, for example, you can use gadgets to make drifting better. Or if you like placing items, there are gadgets that help you do that, too,” he explained. He assured fans that updates would be made to maintain balance and enhance enjoyment for all players.

As a final note, Iizuka and Yoshii shared their personal connections to each other’s franchises. When asked about their favorite games, both expressed deep appreciation for the legacies they represent. Yoshii fondly recalled playing the original Pac-Man in arcades during his childhood. “I really enjoyed playing Pac-Man from a very early stage,” he said. Iizuka, in turn, highlighted his fondness for the 2D side-scrolling games that preceded the current 3D offerings.

The collaboration between Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac promises to create a unique gaming experience that appeals to fans of both franchises. As the release dates approach, anticipation continues to build for what this partnership will deliver in terms of gameplay and nostalgia.