Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac Unite for Exciting Collaboration

A new collaboration between two beloved gaming franchises, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, is stirring excitement among fans ahead of their respective releases. This partnership highlights the inclusion of Pac-Man as a playable character in the upcoming kart racer, alongside a uniquely designed track inspired by the Pac-Man series. The collaboration was discussed during an interview at Gamescom 2025 with key producers from both games.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to launch soon, featuring notable innovations that distinguish it from other racing games. One of the standout elements is the inclusion of Travel Rings, which transport players to entirely different worlds during races. According to Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, this feature introduces an element of surprise and keeps gameplay fresh for all participants. “Every time you play, there’s something new, exciting, and surprising,” Iizuka stated.

The collaboration emerged when Yuji Yoshii, producer for Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac, expressed enthusiasm for the idea of integrating Pac-Man into the Sonic universe. “Initially, we were approached by Sega… but we thought that a two-way collaboration would be great,” Yoshii explained. “We were also really drawn by the uniqueness of the Travel Ring system.”

In addition to Pac-Man appearing in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, the upcoming Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac will feature a Sonic-themed downloadable content (DLC) pack that includes the iconic Green Hill Zone as a playable stage. This two-way collaboration aims to bring fans of both franchises together and create an engaging experience.

The conversation also highlighted the innovative gadget system in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which allows players to equip various perks to enhance their racing abilities. Iizuka acknowledged concerns about potential imbalances resulting from certain gadgets being overly powerful, particularly referencing the monster truck item that has gained attention during the open network test. “We see the gadget system as an innovation for racing games,” he noted, emphasizing the team’s commitment to maintaining a balanced and enjoyable experience for players.

While specifics regarding post-launch updates to the gadget system remain unclear, Iizuka indicated that Sonic Team is dedicated to enhancing gameplay and ensuring all players can enjoy fair competition. Fans are eager to see how these updates will unfold, especially given the competitive nature of online racing.

The interview concluded with a light-hearted exchange about favorite games from each franchise. Iizuka expressed fondness for the original Pac-Man games, while Yoshii shared his admiration for Sonic Generations, describing it as a unique experience that combines elements from various games in the series. “It’s difficult to pin it down to just one game,” Yoshii remarked, highlighting the lasting legacy of both franchises.

As both Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds and Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac prepare for their releases, the excitement surrounding their collaboration promises to offer fans an engaging and nostalgic gaming experience. The innovative features and mutual admiration between the teams signal a thrilling future for both franchises, which continue to capture the hearts of gamers around the world.