Creator of The Simpsons Hints at Possible Return of GTA-Style Hit & Run Game

Radical Entertainment’s blend of The Simpsons and Grand Theft Auto 3 quickly became a fan favorite when it launched in 2003. Despite a wave of sequels, remasters, and re-releases, The Simpsons: Hit and Run has yet to receive an official revival. However, it’s surprisingly accessible on modern PCs, and console players might soon get a taste of early 2000s Simpsons nostalgia.

At Disney’s D23 event, Simpsons creator Matt Groening was asked about the potential return of Hit and Run. He hinted, “I think the original game is coming back in some form.” However, current showrunner Matt Selman quickly added a playful “or not” to his statement. This raises the question: did Groening let slip a long-awaited surprise, or was it all part of a clever tease?

Selman, who contributed to the original 2003 sandbox driving game, has previously expressed his hopes for a Hit and Run revival. In an interview earlier this year, he reflected on the game’s unexpected cult status, saying, “Hit & Run is so interesting. I’m a thousand years old, and when I was in my mid to late 20s, I helped write Hit & Run. I had no idea it would become a cult game, a cult success. Of all the games, the thousands of Simpsons games… that one…”

When asked about a revival, he remarked, “never say never.” This came shortly after The Simpsons’ notable Fortnite event, and with several other licensed games from that era recently getting remasters, the timing feels right. For instance, Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee is set for a modern port this fall. An HD version of Hit and Run could serve as a great way to gauge interest in a new Simpsons spin-off, especially with the open-world driving genre making a comeback this fall with Grand Theft Auto 6.