At the D23 fan event this week, Matt Groening hinted that The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the 2003 action-adventure game that has enjoyed cult status among fans, may be making a return in some form.
The remark came during a panel discussion that included the show’s current showrunner, Matt Selman. When asked about the possibility of a sequel or revival, Groening said,
“I think the original game is coming back in some form,”
Selman followed with a terser response: “or not.” The exchange, delivered with a casual tone and some visible body language, suggested the comment may have been an unscripted reveal rather than a formal announcement.
What fans want and what’s possible
Released in 2003 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Windows, Simpsons: Hit & Run has been praised for its writing, voice acting and open-world design that captured the show’s humor and character. Over the years, it has remained difficult to play on modern systems: while enthusiasts have managed to run it on current hardware with workarounds, the title is not officially available on contemporary consoles.
Specifically, the game is not currently included in the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog nor on the Xbox backward compatibility list. That absence leaves a range of options for how the property might return:
- A straight port to modern consoles or PC services, restoring access without significant technical changes.
- An HD remaster that updates visuals and performance while keeping core gameplay intact.
- A full sequel or reimagining, which would require new development and creative direction.
One practical advantage for a remaster or re-release is the presence of the original voice cast. As the game already benefited from performances by the television series’ actors, developers would not necessarily need to re-record dialogue if they opted to preserve the existing audio.
Industry and fan implications
A confirmed return of the title — even as a port or remaster — would be notable for several reasons. First, it would satisfy a persistent demand among a vocal community of players who regard the 2003 game as a high-water mark in licensed, narrative-driven licensed titles. Second, a digital re-release could introduce the game to a new generation of players who grew up with contemporary consoles.
From a business standpoint, resurrecting a well-regarded licensed property aligns with broader industry trends. Publishers and platform holders have increasingly mined back catalogs for proven brands to reissue or update in ways that require comparatively less risk than launching entirely new franchises.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original release year | 2003 |
| Original platforms | PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Windows |
| Current official availability | Not on PlayStation Plus Classics; not on Xbox backward compatibility |
Groening’s wording stopped short of a definitive declaration, and Selman’s playful rebuttal underscored that nothing formal had been unveiled at the panel. Still, the exchange was enough to prompt renewed speculation among fans and industry watchers about whether the property might be revived soon.
For now, the status of any revival — whether a direct port, an HD refresh or a full new entry — remains unconfirmed. Observers will be watching official channels for follow-up statements from the game’s rights holders, platform operators and the creative team behind The Simpsons.
Until then, Groening’s remark at D23 has reignited conversation about an enduring piece of early-2000s gaming culture and raised expectations that the title may yet reappear for modern audiences.
