Sega has sparked excitement among fans by filing new trademarks for “Ecco the Dolphin” and “Ecco”, hinting at a potential revival of the beloved underwater action-adventure series. These trademarks were filed in Japan on December 27, 2024, and made public on January 14, 2025. While Sega has not officially announced any new projects tied to the franchise, this move aligns with the company’s recent efforts to bring back several classic IPs.
The Ecco the Dolphin series debuted in 1992 on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and became a standout title due to its unique gameplay, atmospheric storytelling, and innovative underwater mechanics. Players controlled Ecco, a bottlenose dolphin navigating through dangerous oceans, solving puzzles, and battling alien threats. The franchise saw several sequels, including Ecco: The Tides of Time (1994) and Ecco Jr. (1995), before transitioning to 3D with Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future on the Dreamcast and PS2 in 2000. However, the series has been dormant for 25 years since its last release.
SEGA filed trademarks for "Ecco the Dolphin" and "Ecco" on December 27 in Japan, which were made public today.
— Gematsu (@gematsu) January 13, 2025
Ecco the Dolphin: https://t.co/GOr3oxAJeX
Ecco: https://t.co/MmQVPeybWj pic.twitter.com/HbcM6AeNiR
This trademark filing follows Sega’s broader strategy of reviving classic franchises like Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, and Golden Axe. Fans speculate that Sega could be planning a remastered collection of the original games or an entirely new entry in the series. Some have even linked the timing of this news to rumors about an unannounced Japanese IP being revealed at Microsoft’s upcoming Developer Direct event.
While no concrete details have emerged about what Sega plans for Ecco the Dolphin, this development has reignited hope among longtime fans eager to revisit or reimagine Ecco’s underwater adventures. Whether through remasters or a modern reboot, this potential comeback could introduce a new generation of players to one of Sega’s most unique and cherished franchises.
