The Simpsons: Hit and Run developer reveals bizarre reason why sequels didn’t happen

The Simpsons: Hit and Run developer reveals bizarre reason why sequels didn’t happen

As someone who has grown up with The Simpsons and played The Simpsons: Hit and Run countless times, it’s hard to express my disappointment and disbelief at the news that there were never any sequels to this beloved game. I can still remember the excitement when I first heard about its release back in 2003, and the joy I felt as I navigated through Springfield, completing missions and causing havoc with friends.


The original creator of the popular game, The Simpsons: Hit and Run, has disclosed the explanation behind the lack of subsequent installments.

For numerous fans, “The Simpsons: Hit and Run” is considered the epitome of licensed games. It skillfully transposed the cherished series into an open-world adventure reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto.

As I reflect on my gaming journey spanning over two decades, one title that continues to captivate me is none other than the timeless masterpiece developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games. This game, which has stood the test of time, remains a regular fixture in my playlists even today.

Interestingly, the much-loved game didn’t get a follow-up, and we now understand the sad and unusual cause behind it – all due to remarks made on YouTube by its main creator.

Why didn’t The Simpsons: Hit and Run get sequels?

The reason there are no follow-ups to “The Simpsons: Hit and Run” is because an individual at Vivendi Universal Games declined a proposal for three sequels and also did not grant the necessary license and vocal rights for The Simpsons.

We could have had three sequels to the game.

Joe McGinn, the main designer for the game Hit and Run, announced some surprising news in a series of comments on YouTube (under the username @noviwan). These comments were posted in response to a video by YouTuber Summoning Salt titled ‘The History of The Simpsons: Hit and Run – World Record Breakdown’.

Toward the bottom of the discussion, McGinn clarified that Gracie Films proposed a deal to our publishing company for three sequels. The catch was that they would own all Simpsons rights and voice actors, and we wouldn’t have to pay anything for these rights, essentially meaning no cost for the Simpsons license.

He added: “Some crazy person at the publisher – we never found out who – said no.”

D’oh!

In retrospect, it’s simple to see a choice like that as a misstep, but given the circumstances, I suspect the publisher didn’t foresee the game would eventually achieve such monumental success.

The development team undeniably didn’t foresee that it would continue to bring joy to some individuals after two decades had passed. McGinn further explained, “We never thought it would still be contributing to the happiness of people 20 years down the line.

No matter what their thoughts might be, refusing the offer for free access to The Simpsons, an unlikely choice at that time, appears quite peculiar. Even today, it’s hard to imagine someone making such a decision.

There’s a chance that the game could unexpectedly be revived, reimagined, or brought to new platforms in the present time. McGinn expresses his enthusiasm for such an event to occur.

In a past conversation with GamesRadar, McGinn expressed his desire for a remake of the game by saying, “I would love to see it.” However, it’s important to note that he doesn’t have any special knowledge about the likelihood of an official remake actually happening.

For years now, t Hit and Run. Here’s hoping that someone eventually takes on this project and keeps the license rights this time around.

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2024-11-26 21:33