Sega Could Create a New Game Subscription Service, Report Says

As someone who has been a dedicated gamer since the 90s and spent countless hours mastering Sonic, Streets of Rage, and Virtua Fighter on my Sega Genesis, hearing about potential changes to Sega’s business model fills me with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The thought of having access to these iconic games from the comfort of my modern gaming console is too enticing to ignore.

It’s been hinted that Sega, the well-known Japanese gaming company, might introduce a separate game subscription service, leveraging their vast collection of games accumulated over time. This move could potentially lead to the removal of their games from existing subscription services, taking advantage of the rising popularity and growth of this operating model.

In today’s gaming landscape, it’s not unusual to find such services available. Companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Rockstar Games, Sony (PlayStation), and Microsoft (Xbox) all provide subscription plans tailored for gaming experiences.

Undisclosed

In a recent interview with the BBC, Sega’s president, Shuji Utsumi, explained:

We’re thinking something – and discussing something – we cannot disclose right now.

He was talking about subscription-based products, and reportedly mentioned that they’re ‘very interesting’ and that Sega is ‘evaluating some opportunities’.

Currently, modern gamers find themselves immersed in recurring subscription plans, and with the growing trend of live-service games, it’s become common to make regular payments at intervals, accumulating over an extended period, instead of making a single payment and never needing to spend again.

It’s one of the most common operating models in the gaming world right now.

Approximately 80 million gamers globally have signed up for either Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, two services providing monthly free games and granting users access to vast libraries containing both classic and contemporary video games.

Ubisoft has a service that operates in much the same way, as does Electronic Arts with EA Play.

Entering the subscription service, Sega might not have been everyone’s expected move, but why shouldn’t they? After all, the market is currently ripe for free gaming subscriptions.

For decades, starting from the 1960s, Sega has been an active player. In the 1990s, it held a significant position in the gaming world and ruled over it. With a rich history spanning several decades, there are numerous timeless franchises within the Sega collection that could significantly enhance a subscription service offering.

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2024-12-23 15:47