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Matt Groening hints at possible Simpsons: Hit & Run return
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
Simpsons creator Matt Groening appeared to accidentally confirm that The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the beloved 2003 GTA-style spin-off game, is set to return in some form. The remark came during a panel at Disney's D23 event when Groening was asked whether a sequel was in the works, and current showrunner Matt Selman quickly attempted to walk back the comment. It is the strongest hint yet that a revival is happening after years of fan speculation and previous false starts.
Groening said he thought "the original game is coming back in some form", before Selman interjected with "…or not". The timing coincides with original developer Radical Entertainment rebranding as New Radical Games, a studio now focused on remastering classic titles that prominently features Hit & Run on its website. A sequel was reportedly already in development once before, according to producer John Melchior, until publisher Vivendi rejected a deal for five more Simpsons games in circumstances he was never given a reason for; Selman had also hinted earlier this year that a remake or revival should "never say never".
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In short
- Matt Groening hinted Hit & Run is "coming back in some form" at D23.
- Showrunner Matt Selman tried to walk back the comment immediately.
- Developer Radical Entertainment has rebranded, now teasing remasters including Hit & Run.
How this story developed
- 3 months ago The D23 hint was presented as the clearest public signal yet of a possible Hit & Run remake, remaster or other return, despite Matt Selman’s immediate qualification.
- 3 months ago Matt Groening hinted at Disney’s D23 that The Simpsons: Hit & Run could return in some capacity, reigniting hopes for a revival of the 2003 cult game.
Explained simply
The Simpsons is a long-running animated comedy about the Simpson family and the fictional American town of Springfield. Its creator, Matt Groening, is one of the most recognisable figures behind the programme, while Matt Selman is a senior producer who helps oversee the show.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run was a 2003 video game based on the series. Players drove around Springfield and completed missions as several characters; its mix of driving, exploration and the show’s humour made it popular, even though it has not had an official modern re-release.
The game was made by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi, companies that no longer operate in the same form as they did at the time. Interest in bringing it back has persisted because original copies can be difficult to obtain and because a planned follow-up game was never completed.
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Originally published by Eurogamer as “Simpsons creator Matt Groening seemingly lets slip that Hit & Run is coming back”.