SMS is partnered with Bandai Namco, and they seem to be happy with each other. The last Ridge Racer game -- Unbounded -- was developed by Bugbear, demonstrating BN's willingness to let someone else have a shot with the IP, departing from the series formula and established driving mechanics in a bid for relevancy. And although RR is not as relevant as it once was, it's still a valuable brand and would create a lot more buzz around a new racing title than something like World of Speed or Red Bull Air Race.
Ridge Racer isn't a new IP of course, but an open world RR game with a new moniker could be called a new franchise. Or it could be some other kind of spin on the IP. I'd be very interested in a "Ridge Racer Horizon" with Bandai Namco's backing and Slightly Mad's tech, taking place in and around Ridge City.
Ridge Racer isn't a new IP of course, but an open world RR game with a new moniker could be called a new franchise. Or it could be some other kind of spin on the IP. I'd be very interested in a "Ridge Racer Horizon" with Bandai Namco's backing and Slightly Mad's tech, taking place in and around Ridge City.