Simpsons creator hints Hit & Run is coming back — 22 years after the cult classic
The Simpsons: Hit & Run is widely regarded as the best video game ever based on the long-running animated sitcom, yet the Springfield-flavored take on Grand Theft Auto has received neither a remaster nor a sequel since its original release in 2003. Now, after months of promising hints, series creator Matt Groening has given fans another reason to believe the game may finally return.
During the D23 Expo, the Disney fan event, Groening made remarks that caught the attention of Empire Magazine. When asked whether Hit & Run would ever make a comeback, he replied, "I think the original game is coming back in some form." Showrunner Matt Selman, who was standing nearby, quickly tempered the enthusiasm by adding, "or not." The outlet speculates that Groening may have let something slip, and that an official reveal could be in the works behind the scenes.
That theory doesn't seem far-fetched given the trail of clues left by the game's original creators. The Simpsons: Hit & Run was developed by Radical Entertainment and launched on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and PC. Upon release, it earned praise for delivering a convincing 3D rendition of Springfield, complete with the show's signature voice cast, and for blending open-world exploration with racing and mission-based gameplay across the iconic neighborhoods of Homer's hometown.
Radical Entertainment was effectively dismantled following the Activision Blizzard merger in 2008, and the studio ceased to exist as fans knew it. However, in early 2026, many of the original developers resurfaced under a new banner called New Radical Games. The studio's freshly launched website prominently features Hit & Run and highlights the team's expertise in remastering classic titles, which has only fueled speculation that a proper revival is on the horizon.
Adding another layer to the story, Matt Selman—who appeared at D23 alongside Groening and also wrote the interactive Simpsons experience—had previously addressed the obstacles standing in the way of a re-release. In March, he pointed to licensing complications as a major hurdle that had kept Hit & Run locked away for over two decades. While neither a remaster nor a remake has been officially confirmed, Groening's words, combined with the re-emergence of the original studio's talent, suggest that the long-awaited return of Springfield's most beloved video game adventure may finally be closer than ever.
