SEGA is venturing into the golf entertainment space with its Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, teaming with Topgolf venues across the US and Glasgow.
Topgolf Sonic the Hedgehog is exclusively available to play at the venues, while additional Toptracer-enabled franchise venues around the globe will debut localised versions of the game in Q1 2025.
The new in-venue game sees fans go head-to-head in virtual Sonic environments, Green Hill Zone and Sky Sanctuary, to hit springs, collect rings and destroy badniks.
The experience utilises Topgolf’s proprietary Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with digitally watching characters Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Amy track shots and collect rings as players climb to the top of the leaderboard.
A global ad campaign where Sonic the Hedgehog meets families and friends in the Topgolf bay to play the new game is helping to promote the new collaboration.
In addition, limited edition merchandise will be available at all US and Glasgow Topgolf venues including Sonic the Hedgehog-themed hats, sweatshirts and t-shirts, all featuring Sonic holding Topgolf’s newest club, The Sure Thing.
“At Topgolf, we believe in the unlimited power of play and creating moments of joy for everyone who steps into our venues,” commented Geoff Cottrill, chief brand officer at Topgolf. “The multi-generational appeal of Sonic’s iconic energy and speed gives our Players a fresh, playful way to just have a little fun together with friends and family. The new Sonic game in partnership with Sega absolutely takes the Topgolf experience to the next level.”
Ivo Gerscovich, svp and chief business and brand officer of Sonic, head of SEGA Brands, continued: “Through our collaboration with Topgolf, we’ve created a game that both the Sonic and Topgolf communities are going to love. The Sonic franchise continues to extend across the transmedia landscape, and we look forward to seeing everyone experience the final product at Topgolf venues globally.”
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