Sega is gearing up to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the beloved puzzle series Puyo Puyo with an array of exciting events and promotions. While Sonic the Hedgehog takes center stage this year, Puyo Puyo's festivities, dubbed the Dairensa! project, include new art and a dedicated livestream on February 1, featuring updates on the mobile RPG Puyo Puyo!! Quest. Alongside the digital events, a themed pop-up store will tour various Japanese cities including Yokohama and Osaka from February to March. Sonic and Puyo Puyo collaboration events will also add to the celebrations, marking a significant milestone for the iconic match-puzzler franchise.
What is Puyo Puyo and why is it celebrated?Puyo Puyo is a well-known match-puzzle game series that involves matching falling colored blobs to score points. Celebrating 35 years in 2026, it's being highlighted due to its cultural impact and enduring popularity within the gaming community, alongside its development lineage with Sega's Sonic Team.
Puyo Puyo first launched in 2001, emerging from developer Compile's creativity. However, since its acquisition by Sega in 1998, the franchise has thrived under Sonic Team's guidance. Its last major release was the updated version of Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, exclusive to the Switch. With this 35th celebration, Sega is not only acknowledging the game's legacy but is also set to attract new fans through various promotional events.
Comments
Love that Sega's throwing a proper party for Puyo Puyo, proving a great puzzle game's legacy can be just as hype as any mascot platformer. The mix of a livestream and a touring pop-up shop feels like a perfect, modern way to celebrate such a charmingly chaotic series.
It's cool to see Sega giving Puyo Puyo its own moment in the spotlight, even with Sonic's big year. The Dairensa project sounds like a fun way to honor a puzzle series that's quietly been a staple for decades.