The Ecco the Dolphin franchise is set to return in a major way, with a newly-launched website confirming multiple new Ecco games are in development. In its ‘About Us’ page, the website confirms a new team of developers, including some of the franchise’s original creators, are working on expanding the Ecco IP for a new generation.
‘We’re currently working on new Ecco games and products that honour the spirit of the original while bringing fresh experiences to both longtime fans and new players discovering Ecco‘s epic world for the first time,’ the website reads.
New Ecco the Dolphin games – quick links
What we know about plans for new Ecco the Dolphin games
Plans to revive the series were announced in 2025, and it does appear they’re advancing swiftly, with developers preparing for a grand reveal. As confirmed at the time, plans encompass remastered versions of the first two Ecco the Dolphin games, as well as development of a third game.
‘It has been years in the making and we’re honoured to bring Ecco back,’ series creator Ed Annunziata said in a press release, shared by Gematsu. ‘Ecco has always been more than a game about a dolphin – he’s a bridge between worlds.’
Alongside a new website, a Discord server for Ecco the Dolphin has also been set up, promising a platform for like-minded fans and developers to connect.
At this stage, exact plans and timelines for upcoming game releases have not been detailed, although we expect to hear more shortly, particularly given initial plans were announced early in 2025.
Why it feels right for Ecco the Dolphin to return
Ecco the Dolphin really was a franchise ahead of its time, with a core message that resonates today. As Ecco, players wander deep sea environments, solving all sorts of puzzles. The overarching theme is one of natural beauty, and the need to preserve it – and in the modern era, it’s a message that’s more important than ever.
As energy-wasting AI data centres continue to pop up around the world, and agreements for governments to hit new environmental targets are ignored, Ecco the Dolphin is a hero with a real relevancy. Revisiting the older games in this franchise is a chance to indulge nostalgia, but also to revisit their important, enduring themes.
The in-development sequel to these games also offers the chance to explore modern environmental concerns, for an adventure that focusses on the fun of ocean exploration, while highlighting the need to look after our local environments.
At this stage, it’s best to stay tuned to see what’s next, as new developer A&R Atelier continue development on new games in the Ecco the Dolphin series.
Also on ScreenHub: EB Games confirms closure of all New Zealand stores
EB Games has confirmed it will shut its New Zealand business, with local stores set to close on 31 January, and the country’s distribution centre shuttering on 28 February. The decision arrives swiftly after an initial proposal was sent to staff, suggesting plans to close the business were solidifying even as media reported on the possibility.
In a letter sent to staff, seen by RNZ, EB Games management confirmed the closure, as well as attempts to prevent it. As shared, the company reportedly had ‘numerous’ third parties suggest solutions, but ‘these parties did not present any proposals or solutions about how to keep the New Zealand business sustainable.’
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