Sega's recent trademark filings for the Ecco the Dolphin IP have ignited speculation about a potential franchise revival. Let's delve into the details and explore what this could mean for fans.

The Return of Ecco?

Gematsu reported that Sega filed trademarks for "Ecco" and "Ecco the Dolphin" in late December 2024 (publicly revealed recently). This action, after a 24-year hiatus, strongly suggests a renewed interest in the franchise.

Originally launched in 1992 by Appaloosa Interactive (formerly Novotrade International) and published by Sega, the Ecco the Dolphin series captivated players with its unique blend of underwater exploration and alien encounters. The titular dolphin, Ecco, bravely confronts extraterrestrial threats to protect the planet. The series spanned four installments before concluding in 2000. While a planned sequel, Ecco II: Sentinels of the Universe, was abandoned due to the decline of the Sega Dreamcast, the possibility of a revival now seems more realistic.

While Sega remains a prominent developer and publisher, Appaloosa Interactive is no longer operational. However, many of its former staff members, including Ecco the Dolphin's creator Ed Annunziata, continue to contribute to the gaming industry. Annunziata, notably, expressed his enduring hope for an Ecco sequel in a 2019 interview with NintendoLife, stating, "One thing I can say is in the future, people are playing this game. I never give up!"

Currently, no concrete details regarding the future of Ecco the Dolphin have been released. However, this trademark filing adds to Sega's already impressive roster of projects, including revivals of classic franchises like Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and Virtua Fighter, as well as new IPs such as Project Century and a new RPG-like Virtua Fighter title. The future of Ecco remains uncertain, but the trademark filing certainly fuels excitement for fans.