Naoto Ohshima Shares Draft Sonic 35th-Anniversary Wallpaper

Naoto Ohshima, the original artist of Sonic the Hedgehog, posted a draft wallpaper created for SEGA to mark the series’ 35th anniversary. The images were shared online this week ahead of the Summer Game Fest event next month.

The artwork presents multiple renderings of Sonic in familiar stances and expressions. The files are labeled as draft work and focus on the character’s silhouette, gestures and facial expressions rather than a final, polished asset. The presentation suggests the images were produced for internal review or promotional use for anniversary materials.

Ohshima has regularly published early Sonic concepts and archival material. Earlier designs he has shared include an initial idea of Sonic as a spiky-haired boy that later evolved into the hedgehog character. He has also taken part in panels with former SEGA staff, including Hirokazu Yasuhara, that trace the character’s visual and gameplay origins.

Ohshima provided materials that have been referenced in public discussions about the music for Sonic 3 and long-running questions about outside contributors. He has supplied artwork for promotional and archival projects related to SEGA’s history with the character.

Fans and industry observers are following news ahead of the Summer Game Fest in June for possible Sonic announcements tied to the 35th anniversary. SEGA has not published a schedule of specific Sonic reveals for the event.

Sonic first appeared in 1991. Ohshima remains credited as the character’s original artist, and the posted draft offers a view of early design work behind one of gaming’s long-standing mascots.