Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is here, and Xbox is leaning in.
In a new interview with the global gaming brand, Ecco the Dolphin series creator Ed Annunziata announced a new entry is in the works, as well as remastered versions of the Sega Genesis games.
Refreshing new versions of aquatic 1990s games Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time will swim to traditional and digital retailers ahead of the third installment.
“I wanted to create a game that sparked curiosity and respect for the ocean,” says Annunziata in the Xbox Wire release. “Me and the entire original team are going to Remaster the original Ecco the Dolphin and Tides of Time games. Then we will make a new, third game with contemporary play and GPU sensibilities.”
Annunziata says players can head to the game’s website for more, but right now, it shows only a minimal serif-font countdown, scheduled to end on April 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT/noon ET.
The original Ecco the Dolphin was released in December 1992 for the Sega Genesis. The IP’s second installment, Ecco: The Tides of Time, hit Sega’s home consoles in 1994. Ecco Jr. and other family-friendly entries were also released in the mid-90s, though there’s no word regarding their return.
Alongside Annunziata’s in-depth interview and news of our finned friend’s return, Xbox cites three fundamental goals for API Heritage Month:
- Celebrating API Culture and Creativity: Xbox honors the rich cultural heritage and creativity of Asian and Pacific Islander communities, showcasing how these diverse voices have enriched the gaming world.
- Highlighting Games Inspired by API Heritage: Discover games like Tchia and Ecco the Dolphin, which draw inspiration from API cultures and the importance of protecting the environment, providing players with an immersive experience of the Pacific Islands.
- Supporting API Creators in Gaming: Xbox continues to support and amplify API voices in the gaming industry, ensuring their stories and contributions inspire future generations and promote a deeper understanding of both cultural heritage and ocean conservation.
The Xbox Wire post includes recommended games showcasing Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, like open-world sandbox title Tchia, farm sims Coral Island and Summer in Mara, and seaside survival game Windbound.
These themed releases, all from API devs, let gamers glimpse Asian and Pacific Island culture in an exciting and immersive way, highlighting the importance of conservation and cultural preservation.
Additionally, stateside Xbox Rewards members can donate accrued points to relevant organizations, all available for exploration in the Rewards hub.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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