Sega output strategy | Discussion thread

[Blue Monty]

The game seems like it’s an early-development version in which they have added randomly Sonic to a ‘X game made in UE4 engine’ type of world

 

[ILikeFeet]

The game seems like it’s an early-development version in which they have added randomly Sonic to a ‘X game made in UE4 engine’ type of world

not very good since the first known playtest was in 2020

 

[Abzeronow]

Sega will be at Twitchcon Amsterdam (July 16-17).

EDIT: Sega's Pride Month statement. They are one of the more LGBTQ+ friendly Japanese companies and support their LGBTQ+ employees year-round.

 

[Abzeronow]

Confirmed games:
Silpheed (Mega CD)
Shining Force CD (Mega CD)
Sonic CD (Mega CD)
Mansion of Hidden Souls (Mega CD)
Popful Mail (Mega CD)
Virtua Racing (MD)
Bonanza Bros (MD)
Shining In The Darkness (MD)
Thunder Force IV (MD)
Magical Taruruuto-kun (MD)
And...
Fantasy Zone (brand new Mega Drive port of the arcade game).

Next MD Mini 2 reveals will be three weeks from now 6/24 20:00 JST.

EDIT: No official announcement from Sega of America or Sega Europe, but they are intending an international release. Emulation by M2. M2 hasn't figured out 32X emulation yet with its dual processors, Saturn could be after they figure out 32X since Saturn also has dual processors.

 

[Abzeronow]

Sonic Central streaming tomorrow at 9AM Pacific or Noon Eastern.

 

[Abzeronow]

Sonic Central was a big nothing stream. In other Sonic news, it has been confirmed that not all music in Sonic 3 and Knuckles is able to be used in Sonic Origins so they're adapting 1993 prototype music to be included.

 

[Astrogamer]

Was looking at how good Sega games have been doing on mobile

SEGA CORPORATION Revenue & App Download Estimates from Sensor Tower - Apple App Store

View SEGA CORPORATION’s top apps, top grossing apps, revenue estimates, and iOS app downloads from Sensor Tower's Platform.

app.sensortower.com

SEGA CORPORATION Revenue & App Download Estimates from Sensor Tower - Google Play Store

View SEGA CORPORATION’s top apps, top grossing apps, revenue estimates, and Android app downloads from Sensor Tower's Platform.

app.sensortower.com

The Hatsune Miku game has been continuing to bring a ludicrous amount of revenue. It absolutely dwarves Puyo Puyo despite that game bringing in almost $2 million a month too. Beyond that, it is impressive that Chain Chronicle continues to make decent money despite it being nearly 9 years old.

 

[MikeMyers]

Is the Miku games what the all mighty Sega AM2 works on now?

 

[Astrogamer]

Is the Miku games what the all mighty Sega AM2 works on now?

I think Border Break is still active and they still work on F/GO Arcade plus they codeveloped the Virtua Fighter 5 port from last year

 

[Abzeronow]

If the public doesn't understand something, maybe you haven't explained it that well. Sonic Frontiers might become a case study in how not to message about your game to the public.

 

[Bruno MB]

Edit: Wrong thread.

 

[Abzeronow]

Oh boy. Sonic 3 fans are not going to like this.

 

[J-Cat]

Most people seem to think its Ecco the Dolphin based on the audio? I'm not so sure lol.
Something from Sega Europe?

 

[ILikeFeet]

Most people seem to think its Ecco the Dolphin based on the audio? I'm not so sure lol.
Something from Sega Europe?

the running idea is Creative Assembly's game

 

[Abzeronow]

Most people seem to think its Ecco the Dolphin based on the audio? I'm not so sure lol.
Something from Sega Europe?

Game is Hyenas. Essentially Payday IN SPACE with a touch of Overwatch. By Creative Assembly.

 

[BoktaiFan]

Game is Hyenas. Essentially Payday IN SPACE with a touch of Overwatch. By Creative Assembly.

Additionally the console choice is Ps4,5,xbo, xsx, pc.

Again it seem like when Sega/Atlus say multiplatform they mean everything but switch.

 

[Blue Monty]

Additionally the console choice is Ps4,5,xbo, xsx, pc.

Again it seem like when Sega/Atlus say multiplatform they mean everything but switch.

This is SEGA Europe, they make all their decisions without a lot of interference from SEGA Japan and they haven't been known Nintendo supporters before there was no reason to think that would change. SEGA Japan/SEGA Europe/Atlus are the three gaming pilars of the company and we shouldn't treat all like they make the same decisions like we don't do with Bamco, SE or Spike Chunsoft

 

[BoktaiFan]

This is SEGA Europe, they make all their decisions without a lot of interference from SEGA Japan and they haven't been known Nintendo supporters before

We're they know xbox supporters before?

 

[Blue Monty]

We're they know xbox supporters before?

Yes, they are usually PC focused (most of their games are PC only) but SEGA Europe is the branch closest to Xbox with most of their games being on GP (their biggest entry in a couple of years that released just this year was day 1 on GP)

 

[adriandlte]

We're they know xbox supporters before?

They made Halo Wars 2 and Age of empires 4 with Xbox. Many of their games are on Game Pass too.

 

[BoktaiFan]

Yes, they are usually PC focused (most of their games are PC only) but SEGA Europe is the branch closest to Xbox with most of their games being on GP (their biggest entry in a couple of years that released just this year was day 1 on GP)

I mean if most of their games were PC only I dont know why not having a strong nintendon history would be a factor. They just don't have a strong console history but that didn't stop them from going with PS/Xbox.

At this point too the switch has been on the market for 5 years. If they wanted it part of their multiplat strategy it would be there

 

[fiendcode]

Sega West (Europe) is pretty decent on Switch tbh. Football Manager series, Two Point series and the occasional port like Alien Isolation or Endless Dungeon. They could certainly do worse, look at Ryu ga Gotoku Studio.

 

[DarkDetective]

Hyenas... not really my vibe, but perhaps they can eat some of Payday's audience away from Starbreeze.

 

[ILikeFeet]

Hyenas... not really my vibe, but perhaps they can eat some of Payday's audience away from Starbreeze.

until Payday 3 is shown

 

[Abzeronow]

The next 10 Mega Drive Mini 2 games:
12. OutRun (Mega Drive)
13. After Burner II (MD)
14. Night Striker (Mega CD)
15. The Ninja Warriors (Mega CD)
16. StarBlade (Mega CD)
17. Spatterhouse Part 2 (MD)
18. Fushigi no Umi no Nadia (MD)
19. Megapanel (MD)
20. Puzzle & Action: Ichidant-R (MD)
21. Columns III (MD)
22. Star Mobile (MD)

Next stream is July 15 20:00 JST

 

[Abzeronow]

The 23rd game revealed for The Mega Drive Mini 2 is Alien Soldier. Was a Mega Drive game. Was on the non-Japanese versions of the original Mini.

 

[Abzeronow]

Nice to see official confirmation. And six button controller this time!

 

[muro9685]

Nice.

 

[Abzeronow]

More announced Mega Drive Mini 2 games:
23. Alien Soldier (see above post).
24. Tatsujin (Mega Drive). Audio is no longer incorrectly in PAL
25. Final Fight CD (Mega CD). Best 16-bit port of Final Fight. Should be on Genesis Mini 2.
26. Super Street Fighter II (MD)
27. Fatal Fury 2 (MD)
28. Aa Harimanada! (MD). Sumo game
29. Gambler Jiko Chuushinha. (MD) Mahjong game
30. Lunar: The Silver Star (Mega CD)
31: Lunar: Eternal Blue (Mega CD)
32. Wondermega Collection (Mega CD)
33. Sanrin San-Chan! (MD). M2 made MD port of the arcade game.

Next stream by Dengeki on August 11 20:00 JST

 

[Abzeronow]

Mega Drive Mini 2 announcements:
34. Ecco the Dolphin CD & Tides of Time (Mega CD)
35. Gain Ground (Mega Drive)
36. Sorcerian (MD)
37. Phantasy Star II [+ Easy Mode] (MD)
38. Tougi-Ou King Colossus (MD)
39. Populous (MD)
40. Sangokushi III (both MD and MCD versions)
41. Tenka Fubu (Mega CD)
42. Dennin Aleste (Mega CD). Includes Robo Aleste.
43. Shin Megami Tensai (Mega CD)
44. Viewpoint (was Genesis exclusive. First Time this will be available in Japan)

August 19 20:00 JST will wrap up the announcements for the Mini 2.

 

[fiendcode]

When will we get the 2nd Wave announcements for Genesis 2? I'm still holding on to my Lunar, Popful Mail and Snatcher dreams...

 

[Abzeronow]

When will we get the 2nd Wave announcements for Genesis 2? I'm still holding on to my Lunar, Popful Mail and Snatcher dreams...

Alas those dreams have been shattered https://sega.jp/genesismini2/

Final Mega Drive Mini 2 reveals:
45. Star Cruiser (Mega Drive)
46. Night Trap (Mega CD)
47. Mahou no Shoujo: Silky Lip (Mega CD)
48. Granada (MD)
49. Ranger-X (MD)
50. Crusader of Centy (MD)
51. Midnight Resistance (MD)
52. Atomic Runner (MD)
53. Honoo no Tokyuuji Dodge Danpei! (MD)
54. Captain Tsubasa (MCD)
55. Super Locomotive (brand new Genesis port)
56. Party Quiz Mega Q 2022
57. Party Quiz Sega Q
58. Devi & Pii (unreleased game for MD/Genesis)
59. Puyo Puyo Sun (brand new conversion)
60. Space Harrier II (new version. Not the original MD/Genesis game)

 

[Abzeronow]

It looks like Sega Frontiers is coming out on November 8, 2022. Is this going to be another rushed out Sonic game?

 

[ILikeFeet]

Is this going to be another rushed out Sonic game?

there's not much to imply it will be yet. Sega seems to have given them proper time and budget for this. not only that, the movies did a number to raise the profile of the Sonic brand, so all that's left is for Sonic Team to provide. I think even a 77-83 metacritic would yield very positive results for the game

 

[Hidden04]

This new Sonic Frontiers trailer proves that Sonic's marketing team needs a marketing overhaul. We should have gotten a trailer like this a month ago.

 

[Abzeronow]

I have to admit that Like A Dragon is a better name for the series than Yakuza.

 

[LoneRanger]

Seeing that they are releasing a remake of Ishin! game available on PS3/PS4 on PS4/5/XB systems I would not discard they have plans to remake rest PS3 based Yakuza titles (0, Kiwami 1, 3, 4, 5). They want Yakuza to be an annual IP so it makes sense to intercalate between new games (with turn based RPG elements), remakes and spin-offs.

A Yakuza 0 remake would likely release early 2025, thats 10 years after its original release (2015). Kiwami 1 was release ~10 years after PS2 version, so wouldn’t feel bad.

And would be more easier to just include next Switch HW in their plans and quickly port Kiwami 2, 6 and 7 (+8) in the near future.

 

[gibordep]

Seeing that they are releasing a remake of Ishin! game available on PS3/PS4 on PS4/5/XB systems I would not discard they have plans to remake rest PS3 based Yakuza titles (0, Kiwami 1, 3, 4, 5). They want Yakuza to be an annual IP so it makes sense to intercalate between new games (with turn based RPG elements), remakes and spin-offs.

A Yakuza 0 remake would likely release early 2025, thats 10 years after its original release (2015). Kiwami 1 was release ~10 years after PS2 version, so wouldn’t feel bad.

And would be more easier to just include next Switch HW in their plans and quickly port Kiwami 2, 6 and 7 (+8) in the near future.

I doubt that. The 0, Kiwami 1 , Kiwami 2, 3 Remasterd , 4 Remastered and 5 Remastered already are playable on current systems. They remake Ishin because it was on of the last yakuza games not playable on current systems.
Incredible that all the main Yakuza games are now disponible in PS/XBox and PC.

 

[LoneRanger]

I doubt that. The 0, Kiwami 1 , Kiwami 2, 3 Remasterd , 4 Remastered and 5 Remastered already are playable on current systems. They remake Ishin because it was on of the last yakuza games not playable on current systems.
Incredible that all the main Yakuza games are now disponible in PS/XBox and PC.

Ishin! was release on PS3 and PS4 back on its day, in fact, it was a PS4 launch title in japan.

Yakuza Ishin: TODA la información - PS4, PS3 - Vandal

Yakuza Ishin para PS4 es uno de los títulos de lanzamiento de la consola en Japón, y una nueva entrega de la saga Yakuza o Ryu ga Gotoku. Al contrario...

vandal.elespanol.com

And now they are making a remake on UE4 for all current and previous gen systems, except Switch.

So I wouldn’t discard they have plans to remake on UE4 the rest of PS3 Yakuza games (0, Kiwami 1, 3, 4, 5). It will likely take the rest of this decade.

 

[Rhaya]

I am not sure if changing the name of the series in English is a good idea at this point
In the west it has been called Yakuza since the first game in 2005 .

it would be like calling the next Resident evil 9 " Biohazard "in the west suddenly .

Sure it is now the same as the series is called in Japan but it might make some people confused .

 

[gibordep]

Ishin! was release on PS3 and PS4 back on its day, in fact, it was a PS4 launch title in japan.

Yakuza Ishin: TODA la información - PS4, PS3 - Vandal

Yakuza Ishin para PS4 es uno de los títulos de lanzamiento de la consola en Japón, y una nueva entrega de la saga Yakuza o Ryu ga Gotoku. Al contrario...

vandal.elespanol.com

And now they are making a remake on UE4 for all current and previous gen systems, except Switch.

So I wouldn’t discard they have plans to remake on UE4 the rest of PS3 Yakuza games (0, Kiwami 1, 3, 4, 5). It will likely take the rest of this decade.

Sorry I was thinking it was a PS3 only game. But the game wasn't released Overseas.
I still think it's unlikeable that they remake games all the other games because as I said they have global releases that are playable on current gen consoles. Ishin justification maybe it's the lack of a global version and the inclusion of Zero, 6 and 7 chars.

 

[Abzeronow]

Such a massive loss. Thanks for everything and RIP Rieko Kodama.

 

[AruanaRiva]

Sad day. Kodama and 7th Dragon is one of my fav game on DS that i believe can compete head to head with Etrian. Such a lost.

 

[Astrogamer]

Updated figures from this conference on the Rovio merger

Sonic - 1.4 Billion
Persona - 17 million
Yakuza/Like A Dragon - 20 million
PSO2 - 9 million players
Total War - 38 million
Football Manager - 24 million
Company of Heroes - 10 million
Two Point Hospital - 3 million

 

[KR_EP]

Fiscal Year Ended March 2023
Results Presentation, 28/04/23
FY2024/3 Forecast
Expect higher sales and profits due to the contribution of new titles and repeat sales (CS)

• Increase in unit sales of new titles FY2023/3 results: 10,090 thousand units FY2024/3 plan: 14,120 thousand units
• Increase in operating expenses of R&D expenses and advertising expenses due to increase in new titles

(page 10)

Following up on the SEGA Sammy FY3 / 2023 results, looking ahead to its forecast for the year ending March 2023. Finally seeing a greater emphasis on improving back catalogue sales, someone looked enviously over at CAPCOM when combined with Persona 5 Royal sales, maybe something finally clicked. The combined history of SEGA & ATLUS should give them more than enough (missed) opportunities to seize upon, have discussed before about learning from Electronic Arts & Take Two but would advise setting up ATLUS as its dedicated (Japan-centric) sub-label. Edit: Although based on its Q&A Summary, investors are far more interested by the prospect of movies/merchandise, Rovio mobile, Pachislot and Pachinko Machines Business earnings *sigh*.

Further Expansion of Major IPs (Full Game)

• Promote the global simultaneous launch x multi-platform support of several new titles
• Strengthen repeat sales of series titles released in the previous fiscal year

12 titles (Approx. 1.2M unit sales)
“Sonic Origins Plus”
“Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name”
“ENDLESS Dungeon” etc.

Approx. 5M unit sales
“Sonic Origins Plus”
“Samba de Amigo: Party Central”
“Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection” etc.
Post launch support - Planning multiple titles (pages 30 - 32)

Border Break for PS4 to end service on September 9​

[Important] Notice of Service Termination
Thank you for playing "BORDER BREAK" for PS4™.
We would like to announce that the service of "BORDER BREAK" for PS4™ will end on September 9, 2023. (May 15, 2023)

Spoiler: Further End of Service Details

After the service ends, online matching will be suspended and only the following battles will be available.
Battles > Exhibition
Battle > Training
Story > Main Scenario
Story > Borders Scenario
However, you will need to subscribe to PlayStation®Plus to use the exhibition matches after the service ends.
Source: Delisted Games

CREATIVE ASSEMBLY NORTH ESTABLISHED IN NEWCASTLE, UK​

The Creative Assembly™ Ltd., part of SEGA® Europe Ltd., today announced a third development location in Newcastle, UK. This new studio sits alongside the studio’s headquarters in Sussex, UK and their European studio in Sofia, Bulgaria, across which there are over 850 permanent employees.

CA North is set to recruit around 100 new developers in both technical and creative roles over the coming years, offering a new working location for development teams, including to work on the new unannounced project. This project is in its early prototyping phase, taking a progressive, iterative approach to development and moving quickly on technical solutions and creative potential. (March 16th, 2023)

CREATIVE ASSEMBLY’S NEW ACTION GAME​

Creative Assembly confirm development of an action project that will establish a new franchise as part of their growing portfolio. This new action title will sit alongside Total War, Hyenas and the studio’s other yet-to-be announced project. (August 26th, 2022)

That makes 4 games in development, Hyenas, a Total War title, unannounced project from the team behind Alien Isolation & Halo Wars 2 plus a new action game by its studio in Sofia. You can see where (SEGA Sapporo aside) most of the investment is going when combined with acquiring Rovio. Will focus on ATLUS in its Output Strategy thread, for now here's the line up:

Sega Sammy Holdings​

Investor Relations (IR)
Financial Year (FY)
Apr. 20XX - Mar. 20XX​

Spoiler: Studios

SEGA
Sega Sapporo Studio Co., Ltd.
AM2 *dust bowl*
ATLUS
Playheart Ltd.
Ryū Ga Gotoku
Wave Master

SEGA Europe
Amplitude Studios
The Creative Assembly Ltd.
Hardlight Studio
Relic Entertainment, Inc.
Rovio
Sports Interactive Ltd.
Two Point Studios Limited​

Q1 FY3/2024 (April 2023 - June 2023)

[PS5/XBS] Company of Heroes 3: Console Edition (Relic Entertainment, Inc.) {2023.05.30}
[NSW/PS4/PS5/XB1/XBS/Steam/EGS] Sonic Origins Plus <ACT> (Sega) {2023.06.23} (¥3.990)

Q2 FY3/2024 (July 2023 - September 2023)

[NSW] Samba De Amigo: Party Central (???) {2023.08.29}

Q3 FY3/2024 (October 2023 - December 2023)

[NSW/PS4/PS5/XB1/XBS/Steam/EGS] Endless Dungeon (Amplitude Studios) {2023.10.19}
[Steam/EGS] Total War: PHAROAH (The Creative Assembly Ltd.) {2023.10.xx} *Total War: PHARAOH announce FAQ*

FY 3/2024 (April 2023 - March 2024)

[PS4/PS5/XB1/XBS/Steam] Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (Ryū Ga Gotoku Studio) {2023.xx.xx}
[PS4/PS5/XB1/XBS/Steam/EGS] Hyenas <FPS> (The Creative Assembly Ltd.) {2023.xx.xx}

Annual Release

[iOS/Android/Apple Arcade/NSW/PS4/PS5/XB1/XBS/Steam] Football Manager (Sports Interactive Ltd.) {2023.xx.xx}

Release Date TBC:

[PS4/PS5/XB1/XBS/Steam] Like A Dragon 8 (Ryū Ga Gotoku Studio) {xxxx.xx.xx}

Licensed by SEGA

[PS5] C-Smash VRS (Wolf & Wood/RapidEyeMovers) {2023.06.23} PSVR2

Spoiler: Interview

“If I was going to be published by anyone, it would be Sega, but I’m an indie in spirit through and through and jumped at the chance to publish the game through our new label, RapidEyeMovers. C-Smash VRS is only the beginning – but we have an exciting roadmap planned for this game alone. Like the universe itself, C-Smash VRS has been designed from the ground up to stretch and expand.” - Jörg Tittel (RapidEyeMovers) via VideoGamesChronicle

<UPDATE 23/05/23> August 29th release date for Samba De Amigo: Party Central & the announcement by Creative Assembly of Total War: PHAROAH for Steam/EGS, October 2023.

 

[ILikeFeet]

god, Border Break was such a weird release

 

[ILikeFeet]

Total War Pharaoh coming in October 2023

 

[RaymondBryce]

Total War Pharaoh coming in October 2023

That is much much sooner than I thought. Exciting.

 

[KR_EP]

Updated the post above with the August 29th release date for Samba De Amigo: Party Central & the announcement by Creative Assembly of Total War: PHAROAH for Steam/EGS, October 2023. However it bears naming & naming SEGA Sammy for trying to mask news of 121 layoffs at Relic Entertainment today. Social Sociopathic Democracy in the 21st Century strikes again. As to why they're firing people when Company of Heroes 3 - Console Edition is out next week (hardly a ringing endorsement, maybe promote the game instead?) is beyond me. Particularly when SEGA Europe are looking to hire 50+ staff when Relic work on strategy games with transferable skills. Adding insult to injury, multiple recruitment ads for Creative Assembly (examples below) even came up alongside the GamesIndustry news article. Bad look all round. Not an isolated case, should always be called out (dedicated thread?), especially when it's so brazen.

Disappoints me to see that C-Smash VRS, despite being licensed to an external company is seemingly caught up in this with new promotional trailers being unveiled today (VGC). Not right.