Kenji Kanno Leads New Crazy Taxi Release at Summer Game Fest, Highlights AI Use

Kenji Kanno, the original creator of the 1999 arcade hit Crazy Taxi, appeared in a small basement room at the 2026 Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles to discuss the upcoming title Crazy Taxi: World Tour. The event, hosted by Sega, also served as a preview of the game’s demo and a briefing on the studio’s use of generative artificial intelligence during development.

Kanno joined Sega’s AM3 division in 1993 and first designed Top Skater, an arcade skateboarding game that later influenced the Tony Hawk series. He then created Crazy Taxi for the Dreamcast, a game that sold over a million copies in the United States and became Sega’s third best‑selling Dreamcast title. The franchise is known for its fast‑paced driving, in‑game advertising, and soundtrack contributions from The Offspring and Bad Religion.

During the Fest, Kanno greeted reporters and creators with a simple question: “Do you know Crazy Taxi?” The room, a compact space in a basement of a small building, was booked by Sega to showcase the new game. After the initial English question, Kanno switched to Japanese, with a translator nearby. The demo that followed was described as dynamic and energetic, echoing the original’s style while introducing new cities and mechanics. Reporters noted that the presentation highlighted the series’ core gameplay—picking up passengers and racing to destinations as quickly as possible.

Crazy Taxi: World Tour was first announced at the Xbox Showcase in June 2026. The reboot will release in 2027 on Xbox Series X/S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. According to Sega, the game is a “world tour” that expands the series to five major cities, each with distinct traffic patterns and visual themes. The studio also disclosed that generative AI tools were used during asset creation. In a statement, Kanno clarified that AI was employed only as a reference; artists ultimately drew the final in‑game assets.

The AI disclosure has sparked discussion among players and industry observers. Some critics argue that the use of AI could compromise artistic integrity, while others see it as a practical tool for rapid prototyping. Sega’s explanation that AI served as a reference aligns with recent trends in game development, where studios use machine learning to generate concept art or preliminary textures before hand‑drawing the final pieces.

The announcement also marks a significant return for Kanno, who had not led a Crazy Taxi project since the early 2000s. His involvement signals Sega’s confidence in the original creator’s vision for the series’ revival. The company’s strategy appears to blend nostalgia with modern technology, aiming to attract both longtime fans and new players.

As of now, Crazy Taxi: World Tour has no confirmed release date beyond the 2027 window. Sega has not announced a launch title or marketing campaign. The next steps for the studio include finalizing the game’s content, completing platform certifications, and preparing a global launch strategy. Fans and industry analysts will likely monitor Sega’s progress through upcoming press releases and developer updates.

The event at Summer Game Fest underscored the continued relevance of classic arcade franchises in the current gaming landscape. By pairing a veteran designer with contemporary production techniques, Sega demonstrates how legacy IP can be refreshed for a new generation of players.