Even today, gamers have a soft spot for The Simpsons: Hit & Run. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time, boasting an enduring charm that keeps fans hoping for more. Unfortunately, the absence of a sequel can be traced back to a surprising decision by someone on the publishing side.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run is arguably one of the most beloved PlayStation 2 games. Critics rarely have anything negative to say about it. Its engaging gameplay and nostalgic appeal have led many to beg for a remaster or at least a port, though none have come to fruition. Despite its success, this Grand Theft Auto-inspired game never received a follow-up. A recent revelation offers insight into why that might be. Earlier this month, the prominent YouTube creator Summoning Salt, known for producing in-depth documentaries on the speedrunning history of various games, released a video focused on The Simpsons: Hit & Run. As highlighted by GamesRadar, an intriguing comment was left under this video by the game’s lead designer, Joe McGinn.
In his initial comment, McGinn expressed how watching the video was both “incredibly fun and heartwarming.” Later, however, he dropped a bombshell in a follow-up comment. He revealed that there were plans for up to three sequels, all without having to pay for the Simpsons licensing rights. McGinn shared that Gracie Films, the production company behind The Simpsons, offered their publisher a golden opportunity: the chance to make three sequels with full access to The Simpsons’ rights and voice actors, all for free—meaning they wouldn’t have to spend anything on the licensing fees.
Given such an offer, and the original game’s success, it’s puzzling why a sequel never came to be. McGinn explained, “some crazy person at the publisher – we never found out who – said no.” It’s a baffling decision that has frustrated the developers and undoubtedly the fans as well. Now, two decades down the line, there’s little to be done about it. Still, hope lingers that perhaps one day, at the very least, a port might see the light of day.
