A reputable insider has hinted that a remake of The Simpsons: Hit and Run is happening, seemingly confirming news that gamers have awaited for years. The hint comes from VGC's Jordan Middler, who recently hosted a podcast breaking down announcements from Sunday's Xbox Games Showcase. While discussing the reveal of Spyro: A Realm Beyond, Middler explained how Activision appears to be diving deep into its bag of licensed properties, and that one particular game is set to make a return.
Insider Hints at Remake
“I think Activision’s next step, and they’re doing this with one very significant one, is to try and bring back some of that licensed stuff. Like, making new versions of those licensed games,” Middler said. “The one that everyone’s absolutely desperate for is happening, so I think that is the stuff they can trade on.”
Middler did not specifically call out The Simpsons: Hit and Run, but given the high demand for a remake or remaster of the 2003 classic, the implication is clear.
Original Game Legacy
The Simpsons: Hit and Run launched for PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC, and GameCube, translating Grand Theft Auto’s rough gameplay template to a virtual version of Springfield. Players controlled multiple Simpsons characters, including Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Marge, across open-world hubs, primarily racing cars and completing 3D platforming puzzles.
Despite its immense popularity, a remake has never surfaced, with speculative reasons including rights ownership and content concerns. The original game was developed by Vivendi Games, later merged into Activision Blizzard in 2008. At the time, 20th Century Fox owned The Simpsons rights, but Disney now holds them. Additionally, some original content, such as the level featuring Apu, may need reworking due to character stereotypes.
Potential Release Timing
Activision has not acknowledged the remake, but Middler’s intel suggests it is happening. With Disney planning a second Simpsons Movie in 2027, Activision could release the remake as a tie-in. The declining audience of The Simpsons has not stopped characters from appearing in games, as seen with a massive Fortnite collaboration in late 2025.
Would you play a remake of The Simpsons: Hit and Run today?
