Sega, currently experiencing a resurgence with acclaimed titles like Persona 5 Royal, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Sonic Frontiers, Sonic x Shadow Generations, and Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania, may be adding another classic to its revival lineup. Recent trademark filings suggest that the aquatic adventurer, Ecco the Dolphin, could be making a splash once again.
The news comes from Gematsu, reporting on newly registered trademarks for “Ecco” and “Ecco the Dolphin” in Japan. Filed by Sega at the end of December 2024, these trademarks hint at a potential revival of the franchise, which has been dormant for over two decades. While Sega is already working on bringing back classics such as Virtua Fighter, Crazy Taxi, and Jet Set Radio, the “Ecco” trademarks suggest the publisher is broadening its revival efforts.
Sega's Ecco the Dolphin trademark filing hints at a potential game revival.
The original Ecco the Dolphin, released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, became a beloved action-adventure title. Followed by Ecco: The Tides of Time in 1994 and the spin-off Ecco Jr. in 1995, the series established a unique blend of exploration and puzzle-solving. The franchise made a leap to 3D with Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future in 2000, which unfortunately marked the last installment. Despite fan demand, the series has remained underwater for 25 years.
Related: Sega Dreamcast Fans Dealt Disappointing News From Sega
The nature of this potential Ecco the Dolphin project remains a mystery. A remastered collection of past titles, bringing the classic games to modern platforms, is a likely possibility. Another option, albeit a riskier one, is a completely new Ecco game, which would be the first in a quarter of a century.
Whether a remastered collection or a brand-new adventure, the trademark filings indicate that Sega is actively considering the future of Ecco the Dolphin. This aligns with Sega’s current strategy of reviving classic IPs, suggesting that Ecco might join the ranks of returning franchises in the near future.
