In a recent interview with VGC, Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, addressed the rumors surrounding a potential standalone Chao Garden game, tempering fans’ expectations. The Chao Garden, a beloved feature in the Sonic Adventure series, allowed players to nurture and customize adorable creatures known as Chao. However, Iizuka’s comments suggest that a dedicated Chao Garden game is not in development, at least for now.
The Chao Garden feature has been absent from the Sonic franchise since Sonic Adventure 2, with only subtle nods to its existence in subsequent games. Earlier this year, a rumor emerged about a mobile-exclusive spin-off, Sonic Chao Guardians, which promised to revive the Chao Garden feature. However, Iizuka’s clarification has dampened enthusiasts’ excitement.
Iizuka emphasized that the Chao Garden is an integral part of the Sonic Adventure series and wouldn’t thrive as a separate entity. He hinted that reviving the Chao Garden would essentially mean reviving the entire Sonic Adventure experience, stating, “If you’re asking for Chao Garden, you’re essentially asking for Sonic Adventure 3.” This acknowledgment comes amidst a surge in fan requests for a third installment in the Sonic Adventure series.
Regarding Sonic Adventure 3, Iizuka expressed his personal enthusiasm but clarified that Sonic Team currently has no concrete plans to move forward with it. However, he left the door open for a potential future development, suggesting that a new installment in the Sonic Adventure series could materialize “if the circumstances are right.”
For now, Sonic Team is focused on launching Sonic Frontiers, which will not feature a Chao Garden. Beyond this upcoming release, the Sonic franchise’s future is ripe with possibilities, including a potential revival of the Sonic Adventure series and its cherished Chao Garden companion feature, leaving fans with a glimmer of hope for its eventual return.
