SEGA has officially revealed that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will receive its second major free update on October 22, introducing the fan-favorite Persona 5 character Joker as a playable racer. The update will also launch a limited-time Joker Festival, giving players new challenges, rewards, and a chance to dive into a themed racing event inspired by the Persona universe.
This marks another exciting crossover for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, a title that has continued to expand its roster since launch. SEGA’s free updates often introduce special collaborations with other franchises, keeping gameplay fresh and encouraging players to participate in time-limited events. Following the success of the Hatsune Miku Festival earlier this year, the addition of Joker signals SEGA’s growing ambition to turn CrossWorlds into a vibrant crossover racing hub for its most iconic characters.
🏁 Joker Joins Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on October 22
Fans of both Sonic and Persona won’t have to wait long — Joker officially hits the track on October 22, and the Joker Festival begins the next day, October 23, running through October 26.
The special festival event will offer exclusive Persona-themed items, car decals, and limited-time customization options. Players who participate in the festival’s challenges will be able to unlock unique rewards, including a Joker-inspired kart and special visual effects referencing Persona 5’s iconic red-and-black aesthetic.
While CrossWorlds festivals typically shake up gameplay, they also temporarily disable World Match mode to ensure all players participate in the same limited-time challenges. This has been a point of debate among players, as some feel it disrupts progress in other modes, while others appreciate the change of pace and themed rewards.
🗓️ Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Joker Festival Schedule
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Joker DLC Release Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2025
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Festival Start: Wednesday, October 23 at 8:00 PM ET
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Festival End: Sunday, October 26 at 7:59 PM ET
🦊 SEGA Expands Its Crossover Universe
This isn’t Joker’s first appearance in CrossWorlds. During the game’s beta, some testers briefly encountered an early build of the Joker Festival, but the character was removed prior to launch. Now, with a finalized and expanded event, Joker’s return is official — and fans are thrilled.
SEGA also confirmed that Kasuga Ichiban, the protagonist from the Like a Dragon series, will be the next character joining the roster. Although no release date has been confirmed, it’s expected that Ichiban’s debut will follow shortly after the Joker Festival, possibly before the end of the year.
🎤 Community Feedback and Developer Response
While excitement is high for the Persona collaboration, CrossWorlds players continue to express mixed feelings about SEGA’s festival structure. Many fans argue that frequent events leave little downtime between updates, creating “event fatigue.” Others feel that the game’s focus has shifted too heavily toward crossovers rather than refining existing gameplay mechanics or online matchmaking stability.
In a recent interview with Polygon, Sonic Racing series producer Takashi Iizuka acknowledged fan feedback and encouraged players to share their ideas for future DLCs and crossovers. “We want CrossWorlds to feel like a celebration of SEGA’s history,” Iizuka said. “There’s always room for more characters, more creativity, and more community-driven ideas.”
Whether SEGA adjusts its approach or keeps up the fast-paced schedule, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic live-service racing games on the market. And with Persona’s Joker about to hit the track, the next race is bound to be stylish, chaotic, and unforgettable.