


On September 15, 2015, Sega announced that Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice which was planned for a release in Fall 2015, would be delayed to 2016 to allow more development time and coincide with the series' 25th anniversary. Likewise, the game's plot was more closely tied to the animated series to make it more appealing to fans. As such, levels were made about 40% shorter and include a linear path (which the developers based on earlier Sonic game stages) through the levels to better suit gamers who prefer speeding through levels, in addition to exploration-based elements to keep it in line with Sonic Boom's gameplay style. One of the problems they identified was how, even though the game was targeted towards children aged 7–11, fans of classic Sonic games picked up the game and had a harder time getting into Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal's lengthy exploration-based levels. Sega producer Omar Woodley has stated both Sega and developer Sanzaru Games have been learning from their experience with Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal. Since Sanzaru Games already focused on the 3DS and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal proved the stronger title over Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, it was decided to solely focus on the 3DS.

Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice was first announced on June 9, 2015.
