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Step inside Sega’s revival story as the beloved Sonic statue from their old amusement park gets a fresh new home in their UK office.
Sega’s Sonic Statue: A Blast From the Past
Remember the Sonic statue that stood tall at SegaWorld in London over 20 years ago? This cheerful blue hedgehog was more than just a mascot—it was a symbol of an ambitious entertainment era. Back in 1996, SegaWorld opened its doors, offering visitors a chance to dive into arcade gaming and even early virtual reality experiences. Sonic himself stood proud at the entrance, spinning a small model of the Earth atop his pointing finger, welcoming all with his signature grin.
Sadly, despite the excitement, SegaWorld wasn’t a lasting success. Financial losses led to the park shutting down just three years later. Since then, Sonic’s statue was thought lost to time—until recently.
A New Chapter: Sonic Finds a New Home
Fast forward to 2019, and the statue was rediscovered buried under piles of cardboard and plastic in a warehouse. The once vibrant blue hedgehog had seen better days—the left arm was broken off, and the paint was peeling in spots. Restoring such a beloved relic seemed like a daunting task.
Enter 13 Finger FX, a company known for their skill in practical special effects. They took on the challenge, carefully breathing new life into Sonic’s figure.
Behind the Scenes: Restoration in Action
The team at 13 Finger FX shared glimpses of their restoration work in a short video, showcasing their meticulous efforts. From repairing the broken arm to reviving the vibrant colors, the transformation was impressive. Sonic once again spins the Earth on his finger, this time greeting visitors in the lobby of Sega’s new office near Chiswick Park in London.
This restoration is more than just about a statue; it’s a celebration of Sega’s enduring legacy and a nod to the fond memories of fans who grew up with Sonic.
Sega’s Transition: From Old Office to New Beginnings
Sega recently moved its UK headquarters from their longtime London location after the building was sold to make way for a new residential complex. Rather than saying goodbye to their past entirely, the company chose to bring a piece of it along. The restored Sonic statue now stands proudly in the new spacious office near Chiswick Park, bridging the gap between nostalgia and the future.
What’s your fondest memory of Sonic or SegaWorld? Would you like to see more gaming relics brought back to life?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was SegaWorld and when did it operate?
SegaWorld was an amusement park in London opened in 1996 that featured arcade games and early virtual reality experiences. It closed after three years due to financial losses. - How was the Sonic statue discovered?
In 2019, the statue was found in a warehouse among cardboard boxes and plastic wrap, with some damage requiring restoration. - Who restored the Sonic statue?
The restoration was handled by 13 Finger FX, specialists in practical special effects who repaired and repainted the statue. - Where is the Sonic statue now displayed?
It now welcomes visitors at Sega’s new UK office near Chiswick Park in London. - Why did Sega move its UK office?
Sega’s former London office building was sold and slated for demolition to make way for new residential developments.
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