Players still hold The Simpsons: Hit & Run close to their hearts, and it appears that there might have been more to explore with this beloved game had it not been for a decision made by someone involved in its publishing.
It’s hard to think of another PlayStation 2 title that enjoys as much universal love as The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Complaints about the game are virtually non-existent, and even today, fans are eager for a remaster or a port. Sales were strong for this Grand Theft Auto-like adventure, yet a sequel never surfaced. We might finally have a clue as to why. Earlier this month, YouTuber Summoning Salt, known for creating detailed documentaries on the history of game speedrunning, released a video centered on The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Spotted by GamesRadar, the video attracted a comment from Joe McGinn, the game’s lead designer.
Initially, McGinn expressed how “incredibly fun and heartwarming” it was to watch the video. He later revealed in a follow-up comment that there could have been not just one, but up to three sequels, all without the need to pay the licensing fee for The Simpsons brand. He detailed that Gracie Films, the production company behind The Simpsons, had extended an offer to the game’s publisher. This agreement allowed for the creation of three sequels, complete with all the required rights and voice actors, without any licensing costs—essentially, for free.
So, why didn’t these sequels come to life, especially when the game had such a successful run? McGinn continued, explaining, “some crazy person at the publisher – we never found out who – said no.” It’s a baffling decision, especially from the developers’ perspective, considering how enticing the offer was. However, 20 years later, little can be done to change that choice. Perhaps one day, fans will be treated to a modern version of the game, if not an outright sequel.
