Sega Explores Launching Game Subscription Service

Sega Explores Launching Game Subscription Service.

Sega is looking into the idea of launching its own subscription service for video games, similar to Netflix, which would speed up the shift towards streaming in the gaming world.

There are already several services out there, like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, where gamers pay a monthly fee to access a variety of games instead of buying them outright.

Sega's president, Shuji Utsumi, mentioned that these subscription models are "very interesting," and the company is "exploring some opportunities."

"We're thinking something - and discussing something - we cannot disclose right now," he said.

However, some industry folks are worried that this could lead to gamers spending more money on multiple subscription services.

It's not just Sony and Microsoft in the game subscription arena; there are plenty of competitors, including Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft, all offering their own membership options.

Right now, you can find a bunch of Sega games on different streaming platforms.

The prices for these services can really differ based on what they offer. For instance, Xbox Game Pass charges between £6.99 and £14.99 a month, while PlayStation Plus has a range from £6.99 to £13.49 a month.

So, it might make more sense for Sega to have its fans pay for their subscription instead of going with other options.

This could be a great deal for those who mainly want to play Sega titles, but it might end up being pricier for everyone else.

Rachel Howie, who streams on Twitch as DontRachQuit, shared that she feels both "excited and worried" about the idea of another subscription service.

"We have so many subscriptions already that we find it very difficult to justify signing up for a new one," she stated.

"I think that SEGA will definitely have a core dedicated audience that will benefit from this, but will the average gamer choose this over something like Game Pass?"

Sophie Smart, the Production Director at UK developer No More Robots, was on board with that too.

"As someone whose first console was the Sega Mega Drive, what I'd love more than anything is to see Sega thriving and this feels like a step in a modern direction," she said.

She couldn't help but think that if Sega launched a competing subscription service, it might mean their games would disappear from other platforms.

"If so, it could mean that consumers are shelling out more money across owning multiple subscription services," she said.

SEGA Comeback?

Shuji Utsumi chatted with the BBC just before the Sonic 3 movie drops on Saturday. It’s been a busy year for him, managing the releases of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and the newest Sonic game.

Our talk kicked off in a pretty surprising manner.

Right off the bat, Mr. Utsumi hinted that the company, which ruled the gaming scene in the '90s with the epic Sonic vs. Super Mario showdown, might be a bit off track these days.

"I want to make Sega really shiny again," he said.

He mentioned that Sega was too focused on doing well in Japan and really needed to make a name for itself worldwide, which would involve reaching beyond its home market.

"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."

He mentioned that when he took charge, the company was overly focused on keeping costs down, and he aims to introduce a "rock and roll mentality" to gaming. When I pointed out that it reminded me of Sega's marketing in the 90s, which often portrayed Sonic the Hedgehog as the cooler choice compared to Mario, he nodded in agreement.

He mentioned that the company really needs to "make a great game" in the series now.

"The next one is going to be a quite challenging, quite exciting game that we are working on," he said.

He wouldn't say if Sega was thinking about making another game in the beloved Sonic Adventure series.

"Sonic Adventure was kind of a game-changer for Sonic," he said.

"When we release it, it should be good, it should be impressive - we need to meet or even exceed people's expectations, so it takes some time."

Fans have been eagerly asking for the return of the Chao Garden, a beloved virtual pet feature that’s closely tied to Sonic Adventure.

Mr Utsumi said "we've been talking about it" - but would not go into further detail, only that he could not "say too much about it".

The Future Of Sega

Mr. Utsumi naturally highlighted the company's achievements this year, especially their multiple gaming awards for the new IP Metaphor: ReFantazio, created by the team known for the Persona series.

However, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for the company, as they faced job cuts in March and had to push back the release of Football Manager 2025 to next year.

"It was a hard decision," he said of the cuts which saw 240 people lose their jobs, external.

"But when you reset the initiative, you have to make that hard decision."

And he said Football Manager had been delayed over "a quality issue".

"I mean, financially, maybe providing the game at an early stage can be the better choice.

"But we decided to keep having the quality level - to keep that discipline."

He also talked about how Sega has been doing beyond gaming, mentioning a bunch of film and TV adaptations, including the release of the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie this Saturday.

"I just saw the movie - it's so much fun. It'd be nice if that kind of excitement goes on."

Sega’s exploration of a subscription service reflects its bold step toward modernizing and reclaiming its place as a major player in the gaming industry. With iconic franchises, a dedicated fan base, and a renewed focus on innovation, Sega has the potential to offer a compelling service tailored to its audience.

President Shuji Utsumi’s vision of reinvigorating the brand aligns with its legacy of creativity and quality. While challenges like market competition exist, this move could strengthen Sega’s global presence, provide gamers with unique value, and set the stage for a brighter future, both in gaming and beyond.

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