Why is the co-creator of Sonic facing prison time?

One month later, in December, Naka was arrested for a second offense. This time, the prosecutors alleged he had used confidential information about the Square Enix mobile game Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier for yet another insider trading scheme.

According to them, the video game director bought 130,000 shares of the company after he learned of the planned video game releases and eventually sold them for a profit of ¥20 million, or $146,000.

At the moment, there is no telling whose side the presiding judge will take. However, Naka – and the rest of the global video game industry – will know his fate on July 7 which is when a final decision will be made on the case.

Sonic the Hedgehog is a highly successful video game franchise. Since its release in 1991, it has sold over 140 million units (as of 2016) and grossed over $5 billion (as of 2014). More than that, it spawned a media franchise that includes live-action films, comics, animations, and a new iteration of LEGO sets that will arrive in stores this summer.

While the video games have been less successful in recent times, the franchise's movie adaptations have been making great strides. Last August, after the success of the second installment, Paramount Pictures announced that the third installment, Sonic the Hedgehog, will arrive in theaters on December 20, 2024.

Also, a spinoff television series titled Knuckles started production in April. Idris Elba, Tika Sumpter, and Adam Pally will all reprise their roles from the second film. It is slated for release sometime this year.