Yuji Naka, the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, has announced that he is working on a new action game at Square Enix (via Gematsu).

Naka established the independent game development studio Prope in 2006. The studio worked on a collection of mobile games, and is best known for Ivy the Kiwi? for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii. He joined Square Enix last year, and confirmed that Prope has since become a one person company after his departure.

It’s his birthday today, so a very happy birthday to you, Mr Naka. He thanked fans for their birthday wishes and pondered about what the future holds. ‘How many games will I be able to make by the retirement age, including the original action game that I’m currently making at Square Enix?’ he wondered and revealed his latest project in the process. 

Thank you for your birthday message. Today I’m 54 years old. How many games will I be able to make by the retirement age, including the original action game that I’m currently making at Square Enix? I’d like to work hard to develop a game that everyone around the world can enjoy. pic.twitter.com/s74WdzWswc

— Yuji Naka / 中　裕司 (@nakayuji) September 17, 2019

‘I’d like to work hard to develop a game that everyone around the world can enjoy,’ Naka added, accompanied by a photo of himself smiling outside of Square Enix. Though it won’t be a new Sonic game, it’s an intriguing announcement nonetheless.