Sega Explores Potential Launch of Game Subscription Service

Sega is contemplating the introduction of its own video game subscription service, similar to Netflix, a development that would further accelerate the gaming industry’s shift towards streaming. The market already features several comparable offerings, such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, which allow players to pay a recurring monthly fee for access to a library of titles rather than owning them outright. Shuji Utsumi, Sega’s president, informed the BBC that these types of subscription products are “very interesting,” and his company is “evaluating some opportunities.” He stated, “We’re thinking something – and discussing something – we cannot disclose right now.” Conversely, certain industry figures have voiced apprehension regarding this potential development, indicating to the BBC that it might lead to gamers “shelling out more money” for numerous subscription services. The provision of game subscriptions is not exclusive to Sony and Microsoft; the sector now includes numerous participants, with competitors like Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft all providing their distinct membership schemes. At present, a selection of Sega games can be found on various streaming platforms. The monthly fees for these individual services differ based on the features and games offered. For instance, Xbox Game Pass costs between £6.99 and £14.99 per month, whereas PlayStation Plus is priced from £6.99 to £13.49 monthly. From a financial perspective, it would be advantageous for Sega if individuals playing its titles paid subscription fees directly to them instead of to rival services. This model could also appeal to those primarily interested in playing Sega games, though for other consumers, it might lead to increased expenses. Rachel Howie, who streams games on Twitch under the alias DontRachQuit, expressed that she was “excited and worried” about the prospect of an additional subscription service. She informed the BBC, “We have so many subscriptions already that we find it very difficult to justify signing up for a new one.” She further questioned, “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, Production Director at the UK developer No More Robots, concurred. She stated, “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.” However, she raised the concern that if Sega were to launch a competing subscription service, it might result in their games being withdrawn from other platforms. She added, “If so, it could mean that consumers are shelling out more money across owning multiple subscription services.” Shuji Utsumi’s discussion with the BBC took place prior to the Saturday premiere of the film Sonic 3. This follows a year during which he supervised the releases of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and the most recent Sonic the Hedgehog game. The interview began with an unanticipated remark. Mr. Utsumi’s initial statement appeared to imply that the company, which was a dominant force in gaming during the 1990s through the rivalry between Sonic the Hedgehog and Nintendo’s Super Mario, might have strayed from its path. He declared, “I want to make Sega really shiny again.” He explained that Sega had been overly concentrated on domestic achievements in Japan and needed to reassert its presence globally, necessitating expansion beyond its current foundation. He observed, “Sega has been somehow losing confidence.” He then questioned, “But why? Sega has a great RPG group, Sega has amazing IPs, Sega is a really well-known brand.” He concluded, “So I was like, hey, now is not the time to be defensive – but more offensive.” He noted that upon his assumption of leadership, the company was excessively preoccupied with cost control, and he aims to “bring a rock and roll mentality” to gaming. When informed that this approach resonated with Sega’s 90s marketing, which frequently portrayed Sonic the Hedgehog as a hip alternative to Mario, he concurred. He asserted that the company must now simply “make a great game” within the series. He commented, “The next one is going to be a quite challenging, quite exciting game that we are working on.” However, he refrained from disclosing whether Sega was contemplating a sequel to the highly popular Sonic Adventure series. He remarked, “Sonic Adventure was kind of a game-changer for Sonic.” He added, “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.” A component of the series that fans have eagerly requested to see revived is the Chao Garden, a beloved virtual pet feature closely associated with Sonic Adventure. Mr. Utsumi indicated that “we’ve been talking about it” but declined to elaborate further, stating only that he could not “say too much about it.” Predictably, Mr. Utsumi highlighted the company’s achievements this year, which encompass securing several gaming awards for the new IP Metaphor: ReFantazio, developed by the creators of the Persona series. Nevertheless, the year has not been entirely favorable for the company, marked by job reductions in March and the postponement of Football Manager 2025 until next year. Regarding the cuts, which resulted in 240 job losses, he stated, “It was a hard decision.” He continued, “But when you reset the initiative, you have to make that hard decision.” He also attributed the delay of Football Manager to “a quality issue.” He commented, “I mean, financially, maybe providing the game at an early stage can be the better choice.” However, he affirmed, “But we decided to keep having the quality level – to keep that discipline.” Furthermore, he discussed Sega’s activities beyond gaming this year, noting several film and television adaptations culminating with the release of the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie on Saturday. He remarked, “I just saw the movie – it’s so much fun. It’d be nice if that kind of excitement goes on.” This article is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is provided.