The Confusing Marketing of Sonic Frontiers

Sonic has had a crazy good year in 2022. First with the Sonic 2 movie being a smash hit, the Idw comics going strong, a decent compilation with Sonic Origins, an awesome tv show with Sonic Prime and finally his big 3d game Sonic Frontiers. Of course, the road to that big game was anything but smooth. From its announcement at the sonic central and game awards to its disappointing gameplay in June at Ign first, to its eventually rise from that at Gamescom and Tokyo Game show. This video will try to cover all of what occurred over the past 500 plus days of this games marketing. Leaving no stone unturned to figure out what went wrong with the marketing of Sonic Frontiers and what went right.
Credits (Other people’s stuff that I used. Thanks!):
Royal Skies male model (fully rigged) • Blender (FREE) Fully R...
Amy Rose Genesis Sprite by E-122-Psi: www.spriters-r...
Giganto Gangnam Style mod by Gong: gamebanana.com...
Sega/Sonic Team for the Genesis sprites used throughout the video
Gamescage clip: • THE BEST NINTENDO DIRE...
Countless handheld footage of the game at the live events:
MtbCooler (@Mtbcooler): • Sonic Frontiers Gamesc...
Hyper_Haris 123 (Green Hill Cyberspace): • Sonic frontiers cybers...
@DreedDoes: / dreeddoes
Amazing Thread about the Prologue Animation: / 1603850212115681284
Music Used:
Dilapidated way for Casinopolis - Sonic Adventure
Emerald Hill Zone - Sonic 2
Casino Night Zone - Sonic 2
Icicle Mountain - Super Smash Bros Melee
E.G.G.M.A.N. - Sonic Adventure 2
What U Need - Sonic Rush
Out of Breath - Sonic Colours
Hydrocity Zone Act 1 - Sonic 3
Spring Yard Zone - Sonic 1
Mushroom Hill Zone Act 1 - Sonic and Knuckles
Starlight Carnival Act 1 - Sonic Colours
Fish Hits - Sonic Adventure
Pleasure Castle for Twinkle Park - Sonic Adventure
Aquarium Park Act 1 - Sonic Colours
Ska Cha Cha - Sonic Rush
Egg Carrier - Sonic Adventure
Game Select - Sonic 3
Rooftop Run Act 2 - Sonic Generations
Carnival Night Zone Act 1 - Sonic 3
Sweet Mountain Act 1 - Sonic Colours
Flying Battery Zone Act 1 - Sonic and Knuckles
Right There, Ride On - Sonic Rush
Chao Garden - Sonic Adventure 2
Tropical Resort Act 2 - Sonic Colours
Pumpkin Hill - Sonic Adventure 2
Hang Castle - Sonic Heroes
Grand Metropolis - Sonic Heroes
Windy Hill Zone 2 - Sonic Lost World
Quartz Quadrant ‘P’ mix - Sonic Cd
Collision Chaos ‘G’ mix - Sonic Cd
Mission - Sonic Generations
I’m Here (instrumental) - Sonic Frontiers
Zone Clear - Sonic Cd
Fishing Vibes - Sonic Frontiers
#sonicfrontiers

[@shpladau]

The effort and production value of this video is pretty amazing. I'm willing to bet I just stumbled across a successful channel before it even took off. Well done.

[@HonchoV1]

Thanks! This definitely did take a while, glad you enjoyed it!

[@overusedusername5442]

Agreed, the quality is really good

[@weathermansam2]

Yeah imma go ahead and leave my “here before 2K" comment

[@Skippymcskep]

See you at 2k subs

[@squag6447]

Could not agree more

[@fadedflop]

I'm glad the game has sold over 2.5 million copies, i wish it reaches far! That way Sega will see what they can do in the future.

[@whoishim2998]

Tbh I was mad hating on this ugly ahh game but then I bought it on sale and it is somehow and weirdly fun…..the world is confusing af but it’s satisfying to play.😂

[@monovailable]

@@whoishim2998 it's such a shocker that actually playing a game and not just blindly going off looks might yield different opinions /lh

[@VelvetAura]

As someone who purposefully avoided all the Sonic Frontiers discussion and footage after the Summer Games Fest stuff in order to go in with as few expectations as possible, this video was pretty informational so I appreciate that! It was also pretty funny, keep up the good work man.

[@Bombsbombsbombs]

same.

[@jamrah8713]

The summer games fest arc was some of the most painful times to be a sonic fan. We were really FEIGNING for sonic content we were analysing and stabilising footage to see what the hell the game was

[@nightlydata2181]

As someone who was there for ALL OF THIS seein the craziness that ensued before(& after lmao) this games' release put so concisely in this vid was so fun. MAJOR PROPS FOR THE SONIC FRONTIERS NEWS TWIT ACC MENTION THAT GUY WAS A REAL 1 o7. I hope he's there for the next game

[@ctpp64]

That guy was a legend

[@raiu_fp5194]

He will be missed 😭😭

[@nabiiii]

this video is amazing. WOW. the amount of effort you put in is insane. you're so underrated!

[@genericsonicfan581]

Sonic Frontiers is a hit or miss, for me, it's an out of the park. But for others, I'm assuming they haven't gotten used to this new direction. I mean, it's understandable, the closest sonic got to open-world originally was adventure, but this. It's entirely open-world. And of course... The music... Beautiful.

[@CHMernerner]

The effort they put into music is pure madness. Main theme made me speechless and just run around the field, jump, boost and grind on rails ... without any direction. All stages have full score. Multiple vocal tracks.... Even mid bosses and high tier enemies have their own music....

[@talkingnart1563]

@@CHMernerner Once I learned NateWantsToBattle did the final theme for Sonic Frontiers I was just blown away, a guy I knew who covered City Escape once years ago, is now literally in a Sonic game. I hope SEGA tries more with Frontiers and that the message is heard, Frontiers was fantastic! It wasn't mind blowing or a return to adventure, but, it was still fantastic.

[@isabelortiz1230]

OPEN ZONES*

[@fishybiller7896]

if kellin quinn is the reason they lost the budget for unique ouranos and rhea, then im happy with that

[@Cr102y]

I know you probably won’t read this but I can’t even begin to describe how AMAZING this video is. I was looking for something like this since I took a break from Sonic content,the only thing I knew about Frontier was the whole 2020 Rangers leak so I was looking for a video that could summarize the timeline of the game’s development,beta content or at least its marketing since I recently beat the game and wanted to know more about it. The information about the events was very detailed and perfectly summarize what happened (especially regarding the public’s perception),the humor was on point,the editing was great,etc. So thank you very much for making this masterpiece of a video,I would definitely love to see more stuff like this.

[@idisqueen5633]

WAIT A MOMENT THE WORLD LOOKS LIKE IT WAS TAKEN OUT OR THE XENOBLADE UNIVERSE

[@HonchoV1]

*Sonic immediately has a British accent*

[@idisqueen5633]

@@HonchoV1 **british accent** cheers mate, I’m just on my way down to the pub to get myself some Chili dogs

[@realroforb7676]

You forgot to mention that Sonic Team is the size of a small indie team right now.

[@HonchoV1]

While I do agree that sonic team needs more people (and more importantly TIME) to work on the games. I would hardly call 60 people a small indie team.

[@lihzzahrdspeed6631]

More like huge indie team

[@masterofgamesbrian7058]

A while later it was confirmed there was a max of 120 people working on Frontiers, which sounds a lot but, it isn't

[@Imposterwaffle]

​@@masterofgamesbrian7058for an open world game made in 2 years , it definitely seems small

[@stormfall1130]

For an open world/zone game, it's very small. You need at least 200 people to work on it.

[@samqh]

Criminally underrated! Very good job!!

[@focusfireno.1099]

12:15 The use of Kung Fu Panda is so good. Great video all a round!

[@vgm7733]

I can't believe I missed all of this about the game lol I definitely do remember seeing the IGN First footage though and thinking the game was gonna be a dumpster fire. Thanks for the enlightening video, was entertaining!

[@CHMernerner]

Best sonic game since generations

[@isabelortiz1230]

@@CHMernerner fr

[@SonicRetros]

Talk about critics lmao

[@itsjustjimbo69]

Andrew Garfield did a fantastic job on this video

[@ayrtonjoga]

@Briansme A weird mix of both

[@Deezpair]

Damn. You came across my Homepage and.. good effin video my dude. Enjoyed all 40 minutes of it, and some jokes were very much hilarious. Production Quality is really good and I got HELLA confused that you only have ~1500 subs. Make it +1, excited to see what you will produce. :>

[@yeetyeet3279]

Man I never would’ve guessed a video of this quality to come from a youtuber with 1.6K subs and for it to only have 681 views. KZbin recommendations blessed me with this video. Hope more people find your channel!

[@wlshedd]

this video made me laugh out LOUD so many times, this is the most relatable video i’ve ever seen and i’m dead serious, this was amazing dude keep up the good work 👍

[@unleasherquiles8319]

This video and the editing is really amazing. Even for a guy with 1.6K subs. You have a lot of true potential and a bright future ahead of you my guy. Go for the goal and step up this One Way Dream.

[@SSGThasMe]

The editing and everything is actually insane. Really enjoyed this video!

[@seematahir5970]

This video was a journey. Like I actually can't believe how well-made and comprehensive it is, this must've taken a stupid amount of effort. Pretty sure I am now legally obligated to like and sub, great job dude.

[@hedgethewedge]

I'm waiting for this video to blow up, the quality is so amazing

[@supersoniccajun]

I had to wait a week or so to get my copy due to shipping, but I tried to ignore the trailers to go in kinda blind, but once I got it I really enjoyed it. And after hearing Don”t Stop Me Now in the new trailers I was in heaven

[@yamihenry1955]

New Scott the woz people this is beautiful as a video and effort quality and jokes where perfect can’t wait to see your cuter videos!

[@mrspeed446]

This video is incredible, the editing is amazing, humor is there and everything is just amazing. You just became another one of my inspirations

[@michaelmanix1564]

Man I've struck gold for once youtube recommended something actually awesome, nice vid man mad respect man it was a very good.

[@ToastyCubes]

I really enjoyed this video. You have potentially found a new niche which is covering the marketing of new releases. I would say to insert less live-action sequences in future videos, not because they detract from anything but because your editing and clip selection is off the chart for a small creator.

[@darrell4816]

Sega: our game is 30 HOURS long! Speed runners: there’s 3 actually.

[@suckapunch565]

I should have played the drinking game. Each time I hear "vague" being pronounced like "vag" instead of "vayhg," I'm pretty sure I'd be blackout drunk now. Kidding of course. I do enjoy what you presented here! Good job!

[@gabrielcaviness]

Might want to double-check the pronounciation of "vague" 🤣 Great video.

[@BlueJack222]

I'm surprised you didn't talk about they were looking for a marketing director during June

[@HonchoV1]

I remember that being thrown around at the time and to be honest, I kind of forgot about it when making this video. Plus I can't find any concrete sources at the moment that could prove this statement true (although it would explain a lot).

[@explodingegg123]

I missed all of this (as I wasn't into sonic at the time) so thanks for the vid! it was informative and funny

[@explodingegg123]

although, I wish I could've seen this all unfold. idk I just feel like I missed out on something

[@HonchoV1]

It sure was an event. (And one large headache with the online fanbase.)

[@minecraftslegacycommunity486]

0:00 *"I can't believe it, you're incredible!"* (Baldi's Basics Reference)

[@BlueBlur2003]

Loved this video, you put in a lot of effort! Subscribed

[@toafster]

Sleeper Gem Channel?? Crazy good effort production all around!

[@GegenTC]

The quality is like a famous youtuber's work

[@ramon_overdrive]

Loved your humor and editing. Subscribed. Keep up the good work! ;)

[@ZMATRIX_06]

I got 52 seconds in and when sonic travels to the past i was like "Oh yeah this guy's amazing I sub"

[@UnrealNeoBat]

35:48 We'll, at least the fandom didn't fight itself...

[@VAB419]

Just commenting to agree with others that this effort and quality is amazing. I watched the whole thing and was totally engaged despite having no experience and almost no interest in the Sonic franchise. Great job dude.

[@Ninja_4561]

0:44 we'll have to go back IN TIME TO THE FIRST THANKSGIVING TO GET TURKEYS OFF THE MENU

[@HonchoV1]

"That's right, we're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to GET TURKEYS OFF THE MENU."

[@sonic1shadow1silver]

I wished that you put the Dunkey video that ruined game user score

[@T00ble]

Amazing Video, the production value and editing jokes are that of a much bigger channel. Take my sub

[@splatcatty]

very well done hope your channel keeps growing 👏

[@VTRcomics]

Jesus Christ the Trigun music at 18:28... Hell the entire video has some of the cleanest edits and sounds like using the Mario 64 warp sounds and the remarks on stuff like CGI trailers that ain't in the game. Yeah what a first impression, I'm easily going to subscribe like this is one of the best videos for script and editing I've seen in a year.

[@TwinTailedPup]

I can't believe how good this was! You deserve so many more subs

[@Vini_viv]

Gotta admit, had a lot more fun with this video and i thought i would. Keep up to good work!

[@dawnsdice]

amazing video honestly, i absolutely love this and will be watching more

[@JonyPlayz1]

Great video! 💪This really just feels like memories of wild rides. Somehow this many years have passed until this moment. And the Sonic Frontiers Twitter account was really a big chad 👌

[@sonicsillies]

DUDE you are so entertaining- this video is definitely gonna help your channel so much

[@boristhedestroyerofancient508]

Craaaazy editing!!! Keep up the good work man!

[@bananaguy238]

Bro how do you only have 2k subs dawg this content is soooo good man (I love sonic so this video popped up on my recommended)

[@mio3199]

Editing went crazy here, you got one sub from me.

[@Cobra-yo7fx]

Nice video! Your quality of making videos is excellent! I wish you great amounts of happiness and success! :)

[@sonicsillies]

THE MUSIC PORTION IS SO TRUE BRO AT FIRST I WAS LIKE "eh these are cool but not THAT cool" AND NOW THEYRE ON MY SPOTIFY WRAPPED 😭😭

[@sakuradabp6400]

Why is people that actually make good content never get recognized? Oof, I hope you get more famous, we need more people like you on this platform and not just cheap reaction videos

[@ch-animatestudios]

Dude, you are so entertaining! I subbed

[@coltthe_45]

Currently binging your channel. I adore your style, and keep up the good work!

[@chadisnotachad]

Idk how people didn't immediately know it was an early build. The beginning of the demo is Sonic standing on the edge of the world map on top of a black bar.

[@shybandit521]

I didn't clue into the fact you were a fellow Canadian until I saw the 100. I'm so used to seeing our 10 dollar bills I didn't register it and still wasn't thinking about where you live.

[@CitrusArchitect]

I'd highly recommend checking out Frustrated Jacob's video on the marketing as well - it's fascinating!

[@HonchoV1]

I watched it just before I uploaded my video and yeah, it's really good.

[@windows6k603]

This was such an entertaining and informative video. You’re very talented and seem so nice and I hope you go very far!!

[@HonchoV1]

Thank you! Very proud of this one!

[@itssigna2414]

Awesome video dude, some really cool edits in here.

[@SRanked-oc3vp]

The best way to improve the cyberspace levels would be by having green hill being messed up at the start, moving through games as they gradually get better until you reach the final cyberspace zone being Sonic Frontiers as a 2D game

[@JasonAndroid]

*Someone who also Seen Sonic movie 2 early and got limited edition posters and comic I see*

[@willthegreat1]

I honestly didn’t think the IGN gameplay was bad. I believe the real kicker for all the hate was because we’ve never seen Sonic in this style before. It was just jarring.

[@FedoraKirb]

This is so incredibly well made and your gags are so funny (the recurring Sega Jar feels like something right out of a Scott the Woz episode, I love it) that I genuinely got a little mad at the subscriber count. So, you’ve just earned yourself a subscriber.

[@sunayama4650]

25:30 Same! Me too! I CANNOT get I'm Here out of my head, it's so good!

[@MarioKartGamerDude]

Dude, this video is super well made, how long did it take to make this?

[@HonchoV1]

Well I started making it pretty much in june when the whole fiasco happened, but I didn't fully start (with the script finished) until late October.

[@TroboTicTac]

The marketing might be why there are so many reviews by people who didn't even play the game

[@osakeleto]

this style of videos take me back to old gaming review channels, i fucking love it.

[@jefftakesdscakes30]

Like what

[@Mohamed58290]

The guy playing the game in the gameplay showcase definitely hates sonic 😂

[@hazelcrisp]

I know we like to pretend IGN has it out for Sonic. But at that point it really felt like it.

[@oxthorin]

this is such a sick video, i enjoyed watching all of it, editing, references and humor is on fire, i also am looking forward to play sonic frontiers myself sometime now that its released :]

[@typreegamingtpg2198]

6:29 This would’ve been a good segue into a Keeps sponsor

[@123shish]

Very good video, I can tell you had fun making it. New sub👍

[@Bullet76_]

6:25 they couldnt just let my homie get a fresh cut smh

[@elfrangofrito]

Great video, great editing, great jokes. Keep up the good work!

[@sonicsillies]

sonic doing his lil happy dance to september was perfect

[@kiricappuchin]

Loved this vid! The timeline from start to finish was clear & understandable. Your style of commentary is engaging, too! Subscribed ✌️

[@LordTRex]

Imagine for future.. Nintendo market Sonic games for Sega, they know what's right.. I had also some ride to follow Sonic "Frontiers."

[@A_Surpluss_of_Stupidity]

You are very underrated

[@CaysekongArchive]

Great video dude. Feels like one of those old school g4 segments, but way better.

[@JakeThehedgehog-m1x]

40:09 I love the art :) beautiful

[@Nister.N]

You look like jason griffith lmao

[@cupckaer9374]

Really enjoyed this documentary can't wait for more

[@whiteroach3]

The marketing for Frontiers was probably the biggest rollercoaster of emotions I've ever felt with a game. Each day of news I was just left wondering "Is this game good or is it terrible?", each day of news just seemed to be filled with both excitement and dread, at least up until the game's release. Biggest WTF moment has to have been when Big and Cyberspace were leaked on Sonic Origins of all things. I am positive that was done on purpose, there's just no way that it wasn't.

[@abm128]

my man looking like budget andrew garfield

[@flatwoodsdaemon]

This whole shitshow was WILD to witness first hand.

[@tonyasajit2417]

only 2k views?? im not even a sonic fan and this video had my attention in a chokehold

[@tunahan4418]

WAIT WHAT I just found out sonic speed simulator was actually licensed by sega ?? That makes sense that it wasn't taken down

[@jonathanhenderson321]

This was a well done video

[@deslardesslok]

1 DAY LATE SQUAD WHERE YOU AT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@AxelWedstar411]

I didn't play a single '10s 3D Sonic game, so it's all new to me.

[@erikbihari3625]

When your Sonic the hedgehog confusion is the game's name!

[@HannyaHalo]

Ok I hate to say it though Denuvo works. They just got lucky that one time, overall Denuvo stops pirating by sometimes several years. Origins has still not been cracked. That being said though my god it sucks ass and I hope devs stop implementing it. It basically killed Calisto Protocol on PC because Denuvo tanked the games performance. Personally I would rather have people pirate my game than have my games experience compromised because even with pirating people still buy games. Anyway fantastic video my man the editing and pacing was phenomenal and you basically covered everything. I'm subbing.

[@Bruno-fw6nw]

Denuvo actually works pretty well, to this day Sonic frontiers, Sonic origins and persona 5 royal weren't pirated for example

[@Ronald200in]

The overall editing and humor throughout the video were amazing! Wish I could leave a like and sub more than once because this is a channel I'm glad I've found.

[@omegadrive9999]

I remember those IGN First Videos. That was THE BEST...SLEEP I HAD IN AWHILE

[@lrgogo1517]

Thanks for making me aware that KZbinrs have turned "male-pattern baldness" into a butt-clench phrase

[@Hyp3rSonic]

Great video 👍

[@donny2147]

Immaculate video! Also nice quarter toss, I wonder how many takes that took LMAO

[@cathstarz3634]

I remember being crasy because i didnt hear sonic talk