Crazy Taxi: World Tour Launches Closed Network Test Across PS5, Xbox, and PC
SEGA Opens the Streets for Its Crazy Taxi Revival
Crazy Taxi: World Tour is giving selected players their first extended opportunity to get behind the wheel as SEGA launches the game's multiplayer Closed Network Test across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam.
The test begins in North America on September 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET and runs through September 13 at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET. Players selected during the registration period can experience a development build of the upcoming Crazy Taxi revival while SEGA collects data and feedback ahead of the game's planned 2027 release.
The Closed Network Test places a particular emphasis on online multiplayer, providing an early look at how Crazy Taxi's signature high-speed passenger runs are being transformed into competitive multiplayer experiences.
Pickup Race Turns the Fare Into a Competition
Pickup Race represents one of the two multiplayer modes available during the test and puts a competitive spin on the traditional Crazy Taxi formula.
Rather than simply racing against the clock, players compete against one another to deliver passengers to their destinations as quickly as possible. The format preserves the franchise's emphasis on aggressive driving, shortcuts, traffic weaving, and rapid navigation while adding the pressure of other drivers chasing the same objective.
It represents a natural evolution of the series' core gameplay loop, turning the familiar pursuit of fares and destinations into a direct competition between players.
The test also includes Ranked Matches, allowing drivers to compete against opponents at similar skill levels and climb the rankings as they improve.
Cops 'n' Cabbies Brings Chaos to Multiplayer
SEGA is also introducing Cops 'n' Cabbies, a second online mode built around a confrontation between taxi drivers and police.
The mode divides players into opposing sides and pushes Crazy Taxi further into competitive multiplayer territory. Instead of focusing exclusively on passenger delivery, Cops 'n' Cabbies introduces a different style of vehicular competition built around the franchise's exaggerated driving mechanics.
Custom Matches will accompany the ranked experience, giving players the ability to adjust rules and create sessions around their preferred style of play.
Together, Pickup Race and Cops 'n' Cabbies provide an early indication of how prominently multiplayer could feature in World Tour's long-term identity.
Two Maps, Six Vehicles, and Four Drivers Hit the Test Build
The Closed Network Test provides more than a limited demonstration of basic online connectivity.
Selected players have access to two maps, six vehicles, four playable drivers, and a selection of vehicle customization options. The content gives participants an opportunity to evaluate different aspects of the game's driving and multiplayer systems while providing SEGA with data across a variety of gameplay conditions.
Cross-platform play is also supported during the test, allowing players across the participating platforms to compete together. Crossplay can be disabled for those who prefer to remain within their individual platform ecosystem.
An Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to participate in the test, although access remains limited to players who were selected after registering.
PC Requirements Offer an Early Look at Performance Targets
The test also provides an initial picture of the hardware SEGA is targeting for the PC version.
The current minimum specification targets 1080p gameplay at 30 frames per second using low graphics settings, with an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 2600, 12GB of RAM, and either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB.
SEGA's recommended configuration targets 1080p at 60 frames per second using high graphics settings. That configuration calls for an Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5700X, 16GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT 12GB.
Both configurations require DirectX 12, an SSD, and approximately 12GB of storage for the test build. The requirements remain preliminary and may change before the final release.
Crazy Taxi Prepares for Its Biggest Reinvention Yet
Crazy Taxi: World Tour represents a significant return for a franchise that first appeared in arcades in 1999 before gaining widespread popularity through its Dreamcast release and subsequent appearances on other platforms.
The new game retains the high-speed urban driving that defined the originals while significantly expanding the concept. Players will encounter different characters, complete missions, and navigate cities featuring distinct terrain and driving challenges as the series expands beyond the structure of its earlier entries.
World Tour is scheduled for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo's platform is not participating in the Closed Network Test.
The Meter Starts Running Ahead of 2027
The September Closed Network Test represents an important milestone for Crazy Taxi: World Tour as SEGA moves the project closer to its planned 2027 launch.
For the development team, the test provides an opportunity to evaluate server stability, multiplayer performance, matchmaking, crossplay, and other network systems under real-world conditions. Participants are also being encouraged to complete a survey providing feedback that can be incorporated into continued development.
For players, the test provides something more immediate: the first substantial opportunity to determine how one of SEGA's most recognizable arcade franchises translates into a modern multiplayer experience.
Crazy Taxi built its identity around speed, chaos, passengers, shortcuts, and the relentless pressure of a ticking clock. World Tour is attempting to preserve that foundation while expanding it into something considerably larger.
With players now hitting the streets across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, SEGA's Crazy Taxi comeback has entered its next major phase.
