Sega Announces the Year of Shadow

Sega is declaring 2024 the Year of Shadow, with a plethora of events and content planned in honor of the edgy anti-hero of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Shadow the Hedgehog was first introduced in 2001’s Sonic Adventure 2 as an evil doppelganger of the Blue Blur who plotted to destroy the world. In later games, he would evolve into a heroic yet dark figure who assists Sonic and his friends in times of need and is still considered to be one of the most popular Sonic the Hedgehog characters.

Shadow has seen an increased presence in recent years, having had a supporting role in the Sonic Prime animated series and showing up as a suspect in last year’s free April Fool’s game, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. 2024 looks to continue this momentum for Sonic’s brooding rival, as he is set to have a starring role in the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 after briefly appearing in the last film’s post-credits scene. On the games front, this fall will see the release of Sonic X Shadow Generations, a remaster of 2011’s Sonic Generations with new levels centered around Shadow.

As it turns out, there is plenty more fun to be had with the Ultimate Life Form in 2024, as Sega recently announced a new year-long promotional campaign titled “Fearless: Year of Shadow.” This campaign will celebrate fans of Shadow with special events throughout 2024, while encouraging said fans to “embrace their inner Shadow” by facing life’s challenges head-on. This is best illustrated in a recent trailer for the Year of Shadow event showcasing a teen girl who pulls off an impressive bike trick after being inspired by Shadow’s courage and independence, winning over some new friends in the process.

Shadow has an affinity for motorcycles in the Sonic the Hedgehog games, and the Year of Shadow will reflect this by touring a custom-built, Shadow-themed motorcycle at Motor GP, with two confirmed appearances planned in Austin, Texas this weekend and the UK in August. Special events are planned for mobile