Sega's trademarks may indicate the return of the classic franchise

Summary

Sega has filed two new trademarks corresponding to the Ecco the Dolphin franchise.
Ecco the Dolphin is an action sci-fi series that first debuted in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, followed by four more games until 2000, after which it went dormant for 25 years.
The recent trademark filing could signal the return of Eca the dolphin, adding another franchise to Sega's growing list of older revivals.

Sega has filed several new trademarks that could indicate a revival Dolphin Ecco is on the way. The quirky action-adventure series has been dormant for 25 years, but Sega is actively trying to bring back its classic franchises, which has fans excited for a possible return to form. Dolphin Ecco.

The very first Dolphin Ecco the game launched in December 1992 for the Sega Genesis and quickly became a standout title thanks to its stunning sci-fi premise, unique gameplay and atmospheric underwater world. Four more posts followed, viz Ecco: Tides of Time, Ecco Jr., Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasureand Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future. The latter was released in 2000 for the Sega Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 as an attempt to modernize the series. Despite the support of a spirited fan base, Dolphin Ecco he has been dormant since then, leaving many to wonder if he might ever return.

What to expect from Sega in 2025

Sega fans can look forward to some fun things this year, but the publisher may have a few tricks up its sleeve for more surprises.

Many bet that the odds of a series like Dolphin Ecco the return is pretty low, but with several classic Sega franchises set to be revived in the near future, that option isn't off the table. Interestingly, Japanese news site Gematsu recently spotted the pair newly registered trademarks of Sega for Dolphin Ecco and Ecco. These trademarks were filed on December 27, 2024 and were published yesterday, marking the first news around Dolphin Ecco in 25 years. The discovery naturally fueled speculation that Sega might be working on a revival Dolphin Ecco.

Recent Sega trademarks may be hinting at a new Ecco the Dolphin game

The prospect of an Dolphin Ecco the revival is not too far-fetched, as Sega's trademarks often correspond to the company's future games. For example, people first learned about Yakuza Wars mobile spin-off via Sega's trademark registration back in August 2024, a full three months before the game's official reveal. Therefore, there is a certain preference for the new Dolphin Ecco trademarks may be teasing a return for the long-dormant franchise.

At a time when sci-fi games are booming and plentiful, Dolphin EccoBizarre aliens and time travel can fit in perfectly, and the nostalgia surrounding the series can benefit future revivals even more. However, there is always the possibility that Sega may not have any plans Dolphin Ecco right now and filing a trademark was just a legal formality to preserve IP. On the other hand, the recent announcement of a new Virtua Fighter the game proves that Sega is planning another revival of older franchises, so only time will tell if Dolphin Ecco penetrates into modern times.