
1UP writes: "If you ask my coworkers, they'll tell you I spend a bit too much of my time tracking developers. The theory, as it goes in my head, is that people who have made games I've liked in the past will probably do so again, so when I heard from an arcade operator friend back in mid-2007 that Steve Ranck had started up a new development studio, I did a double take.
Ranck isn't a household name in the game industry, but his track record holds up better than most. For the purposes of this story -- oh yeah, this is supposed to be a preview of the new arcade boat racing game H2Overdrive; I'll get to that soon, promise -- the most relevant game he's worked is the much beloved Hydro Thunder, which he headed up at Midway San Diego approximately 10 years ago. Following that, he formed Swingin' Ape Studios, which produced the excellent shooter Metal Arms before getting bought by Blizzard to take over development on StarCraft Ghost."

In an interview, SEGA Sound Team lead composer Tomoya Ohtani revealed that Sonic’s global music success didn’t come from chasing trends overseas.
I think this is how Japanese devs need to think. Catering to the west is a terrible idea. I personally, seek out Japanese developed games because they bring a unique experience to gaming. They just stand out more that way.
The sonic music is iconic the mega drive games were some of the best on the system but i wouldn't say they were free of western influence especially since 3 was composed in part by Michael Jackson
But honestly most of the crush 40 soundtrack music lives in my head rent free
Uhhh that's a strange thing for him to say. Even in the interview he admits to listening to a lot of western music.

The previously arcade cabinet-only Ridge Racer title, Rave Racer, to be released on Switch and Switch 2 this month.

Run the maze, dodge the Ghosts, and chase high scores in this real-life Pac-Man experience.