Sonic the Hedgehog designer featured at video game symposium

February 14, 2026 - 09:36

The campus and community are invited to a symposium entitled “Critical Hits: Asian Creativity in the Global Game Industry,” from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in McLane Hall at Fresno State.

The free event will feature Hirokazu Yasuhara, an associate professor of media science at Tokyo University of Technology and the legendary game designer best known for his foundational work on the original Sonic the Hedgehog series. Yasuhara served as the lead game planner and level designer for the iconic Sega Genesis titles, shaping the high-speed gameplay and memorable zones that defined a generation of gaming.

His career spans decades and major studios, including notable contributions at Naughty Dog and Nintendo. The symposium will provide a unique opportunity for students, developers, and fans to gain insights into his design philosophy and the influential role of Asian creativity in shaping the global video game landscape. The discussion promises to delve into the creative processes behind some of the industry's most beloved franchises.