Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 28 July 2025: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk”, has signed a publishing and distribution agreement with the Japanese gaming giant SEGA to publish the iconic game Sonic in the Middle East and North Africa. Manga Productions will work with SEGA to publish the game for audiences in MENA, providing opportunities for Saudi talents to participate in the publishing process, in addition to marketing the game.
“Sonic Racing: Crossworlds” is the next-generation kart racing game developed by SEGA’s arcade racing team. The game’s standout feature is its dynamic track design, where players warp into an unknown world on the second lap of each race, making every race unpredictable and thrilling.
With a record-breaking 23 characters available at launch, the roster will continue to expand through post-launch updates, featuring guest appearances from Hatsune Miku, Joker (Persona 5 Royal), Ichiban Kasuga (Like a Dragon), Minecraft, SpongeBob SquarePants, and more.
Players can customize their racing strategies using over 70 types of “Gadgets,” each offering unique skills and advantages. The game also supports cross-play in online multiplayer, allowing up to 12 players to compete in a variety of exciting modes.
Dr. Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, commented on the signing of the partnership, saying: “Manga Productions has built strategic partnerships that support the creative content industry in Saudi Arabia and the region. Our collaboration with SEGA brings ‘Sonic Racing: Crossworlds’ to MENA audiences. This is an important milestone that will appeal to regional gamers and elevate the gaming experience. We look forward to more global collaborations and remain committed to developing games that reflect our culture and engage Arab audiences.”
Mr. Shuji Utsumi, COO at SEGA, stated: “We are pleased to partner with Manga Productions to bring Sonic to the Middle East and North Africa. This collaboration marks a strategic milestone for SEGA as we aim to expand the reach of one of our most beloved characters in a culturally relevant way that meets the expectations of Arab gamers. We are committed to providing our dedication to delivering quality content to this dynamic market”.
Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Business Development and Content Licensing Director at Manga Productions, added: ” Video games are a key pillar of Manga Productions’ expansion in the digital entertainment sector. This partnership with SEGA allows us to deliver a Sonic experience tailored to the MENA region. This strategic partnership opens new horizons for expansion into Arab markets and creates valuable opportunities for mutual growth”.
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