They got struck with Sonic Mania

Some of the developers behind Sega’sSonic Maniahave founded their own studio called Evening Star. In the works for a few months now, the founding members of the team include Christian Whitehead (director ofSonic Mania), Dave Padilla (producer), Tom Fry (art director), Hunter Bridges (technical/audio director) and Brad Flick (design director). In a press release from the studio, the team states it intends to create “fresh, fun games which will stand the test of time.”

“Every member pursues a goal to make their own great games,” reads the official description. “By encouraging strong technical foundations in every discipline, members are given a voice and latitude to impact games in unique ways. By reinvigorating gaming history’s more cunning techniques, the team boldly explores directions long since left behind.”

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In a really cool move, Whitehead will be taking the engine he created forSonic Mania, known as the “Retro Engine,” with him. This architecture will form the basis of Evening Star’s titles, with a new title called the “Star Engine.” Whether that means moreSonictitles are on the horizon is anyone’s guess, but we’ll definitely be seeing some Genesis inspired games.

Hi everyone! I’d like to introduce you to Evening Star, a new game studio I have founded alongside:@TheRealDPad@TomFryPWG@bradflick55and@HunterBridges

The ghost at the end of the hallway

Follow us:@EveningStarStdoRead more:https://t.co/FaaYYeya78

(P.S. We’re hiring!)

Picking up the smiley face post-it off the broken mirror

— Christian Whitehead (@CFWhitehead)August 04, 2025

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