Takashi Iizuka (game designer)

Takashi Iizuka is a Japanese video game designer, producer, and director currently employed by Sega. He is best known for his long-standing involvement in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, having worked on numerous titles since Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994). His roles have varied over the years, ranging from level designer and artist to director and producer. He has been a key figure in shaping the direction of the franchise, especially following the departure of Yuji Naka.

Iizuka joined Sega in the early 1990s and quickly became involved with the Sonic team. He played a significant role in the design and development of several classic Sonic games on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. As the series evolved into 3D, Iizuka became a more prominent figure, eventually leading the development of later titles.

He served as director for games such as Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog (2006), Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, Sonic Generations, Sonic Lost World, Sonic Forces, and Sonic Superstars. He has also been credited as a producer on other Sonic titles, overseeing the overall vision and direction of the projects.

Iizuka's contributions to the Sonic franchise have been both praised and criticized, with some fans appreciating his efforts to innovate and evolve the series, while others have expressed dissatisfaction with certain design choices and narrative directions under his leadership. Regardless, he remains a significant figure in the history of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and a prominent voice within Sega.