The Simpsons Hit & Run could have gotten 3 sequels for no charge for the license but someone at Vivendi Games said NO

The Simpsons Hit & Run Dev Gives Tragic Update On Why We Never Got A Sequel - GameSpot

A developer who worked on the beloved 2003 game says the studio had the rights for multiple sequels but "some crazy person" said no.

gamespot.com

The Simpsons: Hit & Run, a 2003 cult classic that moved an alleged 10 million copies, almost spawned not one but three free sequels—Radical Entertainment had a deal from Gracie Films that waived licensing fees and voice-talent costs. Cue the plot twist: “some crazy person” at publisher Vivendi Games nixed it, and no one ever figured out who or why, leaving fans hanging for two decades.

With Radical now defunct (their last stint was supporting Bungie on Destiny) and Vivendi long gone, any revival would need a new champion—and rights to The Simpsons games are scattered. Designer Joe McGinn still hopes for a remake, but for now Hit & Run’s open-world hijinks live on via nostalgia and a passionate speedrunning community.