It’s time to jump with joy, dolphin lovers! Ed Annunziata, the legendary creator behind Ecco the Dolphin, just dropped some epic news in an Xbox Wire interview that’s bound to have you doing flips in the ocean. Brace yourselves: the classic Ecco the Dolphin and its sequel, Ecco: Tides of Time, are getting glorious remasters courtesy of Annunziata and the entire original team. And if that wasn’t enough to make you want to head underwater ASAP, there’s also a brand new Ecco game in the wings. A countdown on the official Ecco website is already ticking away toward April 26, 2026, so mark your calendars and get your flippers ready!
A Dream of Dolphin Life Ever since the early days, Ecco has challenged players with its tricky gameplay, unforgettable atmospheric music, and eerie, immersive worlds. Whether you’re fumbling through early levels or battling the notorious learning curve of titles like Ecco: Defender of the Future (yes, that infamous third-dolphin 3D adventure), you know the series never shies away from pushing our gaming prowess. There’s a playful, bittersweet charm in knowing we’ll never truly experience life as a dolphin—something that’s become one of my personal regrets in life (seriously, where’s my dolphin conversion kit when I need it?).
Annunziata’s Inspiration and Vision What’s particularly cool is Ed’s heartfelt desire to let us see the world through a dolphin’s eyes. In the interview, he mused, “I started to dream about a game where you experience life as a dolphin. I chose a dolphin because I figured it’s as close to a person as all the whales.” It’s a refreshing reminder that behind every cult classic is a creator who poured their passion for the ocean and its ecosystems into every pixel. As a proud Pacific Islander himself, Annunziata is all about connecting humans with the ocean. He envisions a culture that’s deeply aligned with marine ecosystems—learning from ocean cycles and getting in sync with the sea’s natural rhythms. It’s a message that resonates now as much as ever, especially when we think about the world’s environmental challenges.
More Than Just a Remaster Let’s be honest: while the remasters of Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: Tides of Time are bound to rekindle some nostalgic feels, the promise of a new, yet-to-be-named Ecco adventure is what really gets the heart racing. Sure, it might feel like waiting for a long-overdue sequel (and let’s be real—some of us have aged a few years since our first Ecco run), but good things come to those who wait. Annunziata hints that the new title might stretch out even further in the future compared to the remasters, but that only adds to the mystique and excitement.
The Bigger Picture Beyond the gameplay, there’s a layer of philosophy to Ecco’s returning legacy. Annunziata mentioned that gamers, with their “higher than average IQ” and a penchant for transformational love, bring something truly special into the world. It’s about more than just fun and games—it’s an invitation to care for our oceans and to build a deeper connection with nature. Honestly, if that doesn’t warm your gaming heart (or make you want to don a dolphin flipper suit), I don’t know what will.
Keep your eyes peeled for further details and updates as we inch closer to that April 26, 2026 countdown. It’s not every day that a classic series gets a shot at redemption and reinvention, and this new chapter in the Ecco saga promises to be a wild underwater ride.
Source: This article was inspired by content from Polygon . All images belong to their respective owners.