Pepsi contemplates potential video game development, overwhelmed by suggestions reminiscent of the iconic PS1 title Pepsiman, with director Kotaro Uchikoshi of Hundred Line attempting to connect the company with the game's original developers.
In the year 1999, a unique auto-runner game titled Pepsiman was released on the PlayStation console. Developed by KID, this game featured the company's Japanese mascot as the protagonist, running to save dehydrated citizens with Pepsi in hand[2]. The game received rave reviews, and its creation was partly overseen by Kotaro Uchikoshi, who later became renowned for his work on visual-novel-meets-tactical-RPG Hundred Line[1].
Fast forward to 2025, Pepsi's official social media account posed a question that sent retro gaming enthusiasts into a frenzy - should they create a new Pepsi video game? The tweet, which received significant engagement, reminded everyone of the original Pepsiman title and the involvement of Kotaro Uchikoshi, a member of the original development team[1].
Uchikoshi, who is currently the developer of The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, even offered to connect Pepsi with the original developers if they pursued a new game[1]. However, as of now, it appears his offer has gone unanswered.
It's worth noting that Pepsiman was never released outside of Japan, making it a notable oddity among the PS1's vast library of unusual games[1]. The original game has since become a cult classic, with copies of the game going for hundreds of dollars on eBay[3].
While there was a minor Pepsi Man medal game made by Sigma Corporation in 1997, it was very minor and unrelated to any major video game sequels or follow-ups[3].
As we look forward, the possibility of a new Pepsiman game with 100 endings, as suggested by some, remains a tantalizing prospect for fans of the original game[1]. Whether this will come to fruition remains to be seen, but the recent public interest certainly suggests that there is a market for a new Pepsi-themed video game.
[1] Kotaro Uchikoshi, Pepsiman, and the Possibility of a New Pepsi Game: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/kotaro-uchikoshi-pepsiman-and-the-possibility-of-a-n/1100-6492720/
[2] Pepsiman: The Forgotten Classic: https://www.polygon.com/22360793/pepsiman-playstation-game-review
[3] The History of Pepsiman: https://kotaku.com/the-history-of-pepsiman-1835766014
- The resurgence of interest in the classic game Pepsiman, initially released in 1999, has sparked discussions about a potential new video game, as suggested by Pepsi's official social media account in 2025.
- Kotaro Uchikoshi, the celebrated developer behind Hundred Line and part of the original Pepsiman team, has expressed his willingness to connect Pepsi with the game's original developers, should they decide to move forward with a new project.
- Despite the original Pepsiman being exclusively available in Japan, it has gained cult status, with copies of the game fetching high prices on eBay.
- In 1997, a minor medal game related to Pepsi Man was developed by Sigma Corporation, but it was not a sequel or follow-up to the original Pepsiman game.
- The proposal for a new Pepsiman game with 100 endings has generated excitement among fans, as it would offer a fresh take on the unique auto-runner gameplay and narrative.
- The successful revival of Pepsiman could potentially expand the gaming genre, blending entertainment elements such as movies and TV shows with gaming, considering the synergy between Pepsi and gaming entertainment.
- As we await updates on the possibility of a new Pepsiman game, we can relive the original's charm by reading reviews, guides, and watching strategy coverage from various gaming sources, including news outlets, reviews, and entertainment websites.
