SEGA has been turning the ship right over the last year or so, earning its way back into the hearts of longtime fans. The road hasn’t been easy, but with 2020 as a goal, SEGA plans once again to be a major force in the video game industry.
During its recent financial call, one segment titled “Segment Goal / Business Strategies” dedicated time to how SEGA sees itself performing over the next three years. One way, which should have lots of fans excited, is the return to full packaged games and the “revival of major IPs.”
Packaged Games Field (example titles: Total War: Warhammer, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Football Manager 2017, and Persona 5)
- Expand existing IPs and obtain new IPs for North American and European PC games
- Build revenue base by being entrusted with outsourced development
- Challenge for new IPs
- Revival of major IPs
- Effective utilization of development engines
Digital Games Field (example titles: Puyo Puyo!! Quest, Hortensia Saga, Chain Chronicle 3, and Phantasy Star Online 2)
- Create titles that will become global hits
- Establish digital marketing business
- Expand overseas publishing business
- Maintain profits through long-term operation of existing titles
- Develop next-generation titles
SEGA also pointed to the international success of Persona 5 as the inspiration behind this shift.
SEGA wants to get back to your heart
Of course, the sticking point there is the word “major,” meaning I don’t think that the likes of Ristar, Shining Force, Skies of Arcadia, and Panzer Dragoon will be making the cut. However, the fact that the company acknowledges its backlog is promising enough for now.
SEGA also infamously shifted its business to mobile gaming efforts a few years ago, saying it wanted to focus more on the up and coming audience. A return to the “packaged games field” is a welcome return that I am ready to embrace.
Reach for the stars, SEGA! You can do it!
