Simpsons: Hit & Run return hinted by Matt Groening at D23

The event centers on a comment made by Matt Groening at the D23 exhibition where he suggested the classic game Simpsons: Hit & Run could return. He framed the possibility as the original game coming back in some form. This remark was immediately qualified by showrunner Matt Selman who noted the outcome might not happen.

If the project moves forward, engineers would need to decide between a direct port of the original build or a full high-definition remaster. A direct port would involve adapting the existing binary to run on current hardware while addressing missing console support. A remaster would require updating textures, resolution, and possibly user interface elements while preserving gameplay. Both paths would involve licensing negotiations with the rights holders and testing across target platforms.

The material notes that the game is not present in the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog nor on the Xbox backward compatibility list, indicating a lack of official legacy support. A simple direct port might still leave players without modern features such as achievements or cloud saves, limiting its appeal. Relying solely on the existing voice acting reduces audio work but does not eliminate the need for graphic and engine updates. If the effort stops at a port without enhancements, the product may fail to meet contemporary player expectations.

Only one feed reported the statement, but it included both Groening’s hint and Selman’s caveat, showing internal disagreement about the likelihood. This contrast suggests that any engineering effort should be treated as speculative until an official announcement is made. Consequently, teams should consider the work as exploratory rather than committing to a full production schedule.