# Sonic Team

> Japanese video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q1140960](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1140960)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Team)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sonic-team

## Summary
Sonic Team is a Japanese video game developer founded in 2000, best known for creating iconic titles like *Sonic 3 & Knuckles* (1994) and *Puyo Pop Fever* (2004). The company is a subsidiary of Sega and has produced numerous games across multiple platforms.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2000 as a subsidiary of Sega.
- Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Founded by Takashi Iizuka, Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, Hirokazu Yasuhara, and Aleksey.
- Employed approximately 60 people as of available data.
- Produced notable games including *Comix Zone* (1995), *Sonic 3 & Knuckles* (1994), and *Puyo Pop Fever* (2004).
- Operates under the legal form of a *kabushiki gaisha* (Japanese corporation).
- Website: [http://www.sonicteam.com](http://www.sonicteam.com) (Japanese version).

## FAQs
### Q: What games is Sonic Team known for?
A: Sonic Team is known for creating *Sonic 3 & Knuckles* (1994), *Comix Zone* (1995), and *Puyo Pop Fever* (2004), among other titles.

### Q: Where is Sonic Team located?
A: Sonic Team has headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, and an office in Novosibirsk, Russia.

### Q: Who founded Sonic Team?
A: Sonic Team was founded by Takashi Iizuka, Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, Hirokazu Yasuhara, and Aleksey.

### Q: How many employees does Sonic Team have?
A: Sonic Team employs approximately 60 people.

### Q: What is Sonic Team's legal structure?
A: Sonic Team operates as a *kabushiki gaisha*, a type of Japanese corporation.

## Why It Matters
Sonic Team plays a significant role in the video game industry, particularly in the development of classic and beloved titles. The company's work on *Sonic 3 & Knuckles* and *Puyo Pop Fever* has left a lasting impact on gaming culture. As a subsidiary of Sega, Sonic Team contributes to the broader legacy of the Sega brand, which has been influential in shaping the evolution of video games. The team's contributions have helped define genres and set standards for game design, making it a notable entity in the gaming world.

## Notable For
- Developing *Sonic 3 & Knuckles*, a critically acclaimed game that expanded the *Sonic the Hedgehog* series.
- Creating *Puyo Pop Fever*, a popular puzzle game that remains influential in the genre.
- Being a key developer under Sega, contributing to the company's rich gaming history.
- Operating in both Japan and Russia, reflecting its global reach.
- Maintaining a strong online presence through its official website.

## Body
### Origins and Founding
Sonic Team was established in 2000 as a subsidiary of Sega. The company was founded by a team of experienced developers, including Takashi Iizuka, Yuji Naka, Naoto Ohshima, Hirokazu Yasuhara, and Aleksey. This core group of individuals played a pivotal role in shaping the company's early projects.

### Key Projects
One of Sonic Team's most notable works is *Sonic 3 & Knuckles* (1994), which expanded the *Sonic the Hedgehog* series by introducing the character Knuckles the Echidna. The game received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and contributions to the platforming genre. Another significant title is *Puyo Pop Fever* (2004), a puzzle game that became a staple in the genre and remains popular among fans.

### Global Presence
Sonic Team operates with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, and an additional office in Novosibirsk, Russia. This dual-location strategy reflects the company's commitment to both its home market and international expansion.

### Legal and Organizational Structure
The company operates under the legal form of a *kabushiki gaisha*, a common structure for Japanese corporations. Sonic Team is part of Sega's broader ecosystem, contributing to the development of games that have become iconic in gaming history.

### Employee Count and Online Presence
As of available data, Sonic Team employs approximately 60 people. The company maintains an active online presence through its official website, [http://www.sonicteam.com](http://www.sonicteam.com), which provides updates and information about its projects.

### Legacy and Influence
Sonic Team's contributions to the gaming industry have had a lasting impact. The company's work on *Sonic 3 & Knuckles* and *Puyo Pop Fever* has influenced subsequent games and set standards for design and innovation. Its role as a developer under Sega ensures that its projects continue to be part of the broader legacy of the company.

## References

1. LastDodo
2. MusicBrainz
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Quora
5. VideoGameGeek