If you are anticipating mini consoles based on Sega’s Dreamcast and Saturn, you should erase the idea from your mind. In a recent interview, the CEO of Sega America and Europe, Shuji Utsumi was asked if the company was working on mini consoles, and his response was dismissive.
“I’m not going for the Mini direction,” Utsumi told The Guardian. “I want to embrace modern gamers. We are not a retro company. We really appreciate our legacy, we value it, but at the same time, we want to deliver something new—otherwise we’ll become history. That’s not what we’re aiming for.”
ALSO READ: Indie Game Awards 2024: Full List Of Winners
In October 2022, the Japanese video game maker and publisher launched Genesis Mini 2, the fifth miniature console released by the publisher. Besides the two Genesis Mini consoles, the company’s retro console lineup includes four Game Gear Micro handhelds and two Astro City Mini systems.
At The Game Awards held earlier this month, Sega announced the Virtua Fighter game. Last December, the publisher announced it was working on new entries in the Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, and Crazy Taxi franchises.
“We have some great pillars – such as Sonic, Persona, and Yakuza. But at the same time, we have other properties that really show the style, attitude, and context of Sega,” Utsumi told the Guardian. “I think gamers will love it if we do this right. It will be a challenge – there are great expectations – but if we can respond to that, we can get back to being Sega.”
Sega is considering the launch of a subscription service
Video game streaming has been taunted as the future of video games. It is a model where players get access to a library of games through a subscription rather than owning the games. This model allows players to stream games over the internet using almost any device.
ALSO READ: How To Stop Sweaty Hands When Gaming—9 Tricks
The three biggest console makers (PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo) as well as third-party publishers like Ubisoft and Electronic Arts have already launched a subscription service and Sega is considering the same path. Utsumi disclosed the company’s intentions during an interview with the BBC.
“We’re thinking something – and discussing something – we cannot disclose right now,” he said.
Utsumi suggested that the Japanese publisher has lost confidence in competing on the global stage and rather focused on domestic success—a trend he intends to change. “Sega has been somehow losing confidence,” he said.
“But why? Sega has a great RPG group, Sega has amazing IPs, Sega is a really well-known brand. So, I was like, hey, now is not the time to be defensive – but more offensive.”
Are you excited about having another subscription service? GameBaba Universe would love to hear from you.
