Simpsons Hit & Run publisher turned down the opportunity for more Simpsons games, including Simpsons Hit & Run 2 (UPDATE)

The Simpsons Hit & Run is one of the most beloved videogame adaptations for The Simpsons, with fans regularly clamoring for its return through an official re-release or remake. While there’s been no movement on that, we now know that at one time a sequel was planned, but the project was squashed shortly after its inception.

According to The Simpsons Hit & Run producer John Melchior, publisher Vivendi Universal Games was given the opportunity to make 5 more games based on The Simpsons. Two of those games were in development, one being The Simpsons Hit & Run 2, and it was coming from the same team that handled the original. (h/t VGC)

Sadly, Vivendi Universal Games eventually decided to pass on the deal for 5 more Simpsons games, and with that The Simpsons Hit & Run 2 was killed. Even worse, it seems no one has any idea as to why Vivendi skipped on the deal, as it was reportedly quite a solid offer in terms of money.

UPDATE: Turns out we didn’t just miss the chance for a Simpsons: Hit & Run sequel, but a third entry in the franchise as well. Joe McGinn, the lead designer on the game, revealed that there was an option on the table for two direct follow-ups, and the deal to create that was a sweet one indeed.

“Gracie Films offered our publisher a deal to make three sequels, with all Simpsons rights and voice actors, for the preferred price of zero dollars (we wouldn’t have to pay anything for the Simpsons license in other words). Some crazy person at the publisher – we never found out who – said no.”

It seems absolutely wild that two sequels were passed on, especially considering how the rights to the Simpsons and all the voice actors would have cost absolutely nothing extra. Whoever squashed this deal clearly didn’t make the best decisions!