The iconic video game franchise Crazy Taxi has been synonymous with the energetic and infectious sound of American rock band, The Offspring, since its debut in 1999. The band's 1997 track, 'All I Want,' became an integral part of the game's identity, and its absence in subsequent re-releases was met with criticism from fans.

A Conversation with Kenji Kanno

We had the opportunity to speak with series creator Kenji Kanno, who shared the importance of The Offspring's music in the development of Crazy Taxi. 'Music is very important for Crazy Taxi,' Kanno emphasized. 'Every time I talk to stakeholders about the game, they ask the same thing: 'Will you have The Offspring? Will you have Bad Religion?''

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Kanno revealed that music plays a crucial role in his game development process, often serving as the foundation for the entire project. 'When I design a game or when I create a game, the first thing I decide on is actually the theme song,' he explained. 'I decide on the song, and then I tell [the development team], 'Hey, we're going to make a game based on this song,' and I make them listen to it on repeat.'

The Origins of a Timeless Partnership

So, how did The Offspring's music become an integral part of Crazy Taxi? According to Kanno, it all started with a visit to a record store in Shibuya, where he discovered the band's music. This chance encounter led to the inclusion of 'All I Want' in the original game, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The partnership between Crazy Taxi and The Offspring has endured for over two decades, with the band's music remaining a beloved aspect of the franchise. As Kanno and his team continue to work on new projects, including the recently announced Crazy Taxi: World Tour, fans can rest assured that the spirit of 'All I Want' will live on, fueling the high-octane action and excitement that defines the series.