Latest news with #Dreamcast
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Sega sets sights on global revival with Sonic remakes, movie hits, and a ‘Super Game'
TOKYO, July 17 — The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster 'Sonic the Hedgehog' has brought new fans to Japan's Sega, which says it is poised for a comeback after two tough decades. This year all eyes have been on Nintendo, whose Switch 2 recently became the fastest-selling console in history. But unlike its former arch-rival, Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001, instead focusing on making games for other platforms. Now, as record tourism to Japan helps boost global appetite for the country's pop culture, the company sees a chance to reinvent itself — including through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit 'Sonic' series. Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on Friday, having launched a similar shop in Shanghai in May. 'Opportunities are expanding,' chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi told AFP. 'We've been struggling... for a while, but now we are coming back.' The company aims 'to expand our business globally rather than focusing on the Japanese market', he said. Sega was a top industry player in the 1980s and 1990s, its name synonymous with noisy arcades, home consoles and game franchises, such as beat-em-up 'Streets of Rage' and ninja series 'Shinobi'. But it struggled to keep up with intense competition, falling on hard times financially as multiplayer online titles from US publishers, such as 'World of Warcraft', took off in the 2000s. 'Persona' movie? After Sega quit the hardware business, its game offerings 'got a little stale', said David Cole of the US-based games market research firm DFC Intelligence. But 'the kids who grew up in the 1990s are now in their 30s, 40s, even older, and really like those franchises' — and are introducing them to their own children — he told AFP. 'It's untapped value' that Sega — just like its Japanese peers including Nintendo — is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides, Cole added. Last year, the film Sonic the Hedgehog 3 starring Jim Carrey as the villain zipped to the top of the North American box office in one of the best December openings in years. It followed the first live-action Sonic movie in 2020, as Sega cashes in on a video-game movie craze that saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie, based on the Nintendo characters, become the second-highest grossing film of 2023. 'Shinobi' is also being turned into a film, while Sega's 'Yakuza' game series has been adapted for television. When asked if cult franchise 'Persona' could be next, Sega's Utsumi said fans should 'stay tuned'. 'We are talking to a lot of interesting potential partners. So we are under some discussions, but I can't say too much about it,' he said. Sega — just like its Japanese peers including Nintendo — is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides. — AFP pic Super Game Sega bought Finland's Rovio, creator of 'Angry Birds', in 2023, seeking to expand into the mobile gaming market. 'Gamers' behaviour has been changing' since Sega's original heyday, going beyond TV-connected consoles, Utsumi said. But Cole said that in the long run Sega should concentrate on 'high-end' gaming: larger-scale, more involved titles that encourage brand loyalty. Sega is working on what it calls a 'Super Game' with big-budget international ambition and a scope that is 'not only just a game — communication, social, maybe potentially AI', Utsumi said. 'The competition in the game market is very fierce,' he cautioned. 'It's important to really have a fan base close to us. But at the same time, when we develop a great game, it takes time.' Sega's parent company Sega Sammy also makes arcade and gambling machines, including those used in Japanese 'pachinko' parlours, whose numbers are in decline. That makes Sega's entertainment business 'really the growth opportunity for the company', Cole said. Sega Sammy said in May its 'Sonic' intellectual property 'has contributed to an increase in both game and character licensing revenue'. Young tourists in Tokyo shopping near Sega's new store ahead of the opening seemed to confirm this. 'I've always liked Sega. I kind of grew up around their games,' said 19-year-old American Danny Villasenor. 'They're pretty retro. But I think they've evolved with time pretty well.' William Harrington, 24, who lives in Los Angeles, said his father 'put me on to a lot of the older games back in the day', and so to him, Sega 'feels like childhood'. — AFP
Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Japan's Sega eyes return to 1990s gaming glory
Published Jul 17, 2025 • Last updated 33 minutes ago • 3 minute read Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on Friday. Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP Tokyo (AFP) — The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster 'Sonic the Hedgehog' has brought new fans to Japan's Sega, which says it is poised for a comeback after two tough decades. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account This year all eyes have been on Nintendo, whose Switch 2 recently became the fastest-selling console in history. But unlike its former arch-rival, Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001, instead focusing on making games for other platforms. Now, as record tourism to Japan helps boost global appetite for the country's pop culture, the company sees a chance to reinvent itself — including through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit 'Sonic' series. Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on Friday, having launched a similar shop in Shanghai in May. Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001. (Kazuhiro NOGI/AFP) Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP 'Opportunities are expanding,' chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi told AFP. 'We've been struggling… for a while, but now we are coming back.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The company aims 'to expand our business globally rather than focusing on the Japanese market', he said. Sega was a top industry player in the 1980s and 1990s, its name synonymous with noisy arcades, home consoles and game franchises, such as beat-em-up 'Streets of Rage' and ninja series 'Shinobi'. But it struggled to keep up with intense competition, falling on hard times financially as multiplayer online titles from US publishers, such as 'World of Warcraft', took off in the 2000s. 'Persona' movie? After Sega quit the hardware business, its game offerings 'got a little stale', said David Cole of the US-based games market research firm DFC Intelligence. But 'the kids who grew up in the 1990s are now in their 30s, 40s, even older, and really like those franchises' — and are introducing them to their own children — he told AFP. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Opportunities are expanding,' Sega's chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi says. (Kazuhiro NOGI/AFP) Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP 'It's untapped value' that Sega — just like its Japanese peers including Nintendo — is trying to capitalize on through new movies, stores and theme park rides, Cole added. Last year, the film 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' starring Jim Carrey as the villain zipped to the top of the North American box office in one of the best December openings in years. It followed the first live-action 'Sonic' movie in 2020, as Sega cashes in on a video-game movie craze that saw 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie', based on the Nintendo characters, become the second-highest grossing film of 2023. 'Shinobi' is also being turned into a film, while Sega's 'Yakuza' game series has been adapted for television. When asked if cult franchise 'Persona' could be next, Sega's Utsumi said fans should 'stay tuned'. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We are talking to a lot of interesting potential partners. So we are under some discussions, but I can't say too much about it,' he said. Super Game Sega bought Finland's Rovio, creator of 'Angry Birds', in 2023, seeking to expand into the mobile gaming market. 'Gamers' behaviour has been changing' since Sega's original heyday, going beyond TV-connected consoles, Utsumi said. But Cole said that in the long run Sega should concentrate on 'high-end' gaming: larger-scale, more involved titles that encourage brand loyalty. Sega is seeking to reinvent itself through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit 'Sonic' series. (Kazuhiro NOGI/AFP) Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP Sega is working on what it calls a 'Super Game' with big-budget international ambition and a scope that is 'not only just a game — communication, social, maybe potentially AI', Utsumi said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The competition in the game market is very fierce,' he cautioned. 'It's important to really have a fan base close to us. But at the same time, when we develop a great game, it takes time.' Sega's parent company Sega Sammy also makes arcade and gambling machines, including those used in Japanese 'pachinko' parlours, whose numbers are in decline. That makes Sega's entertainment business 'really the growth opportunity for the company', Cole said. Sega Sammy said in May its 'Sonic' intellectual property 'has contributed to an increase in both game and character licensing revenue'. Young tourists in Tokyo shopping near Sega's new store ahead of the opening seemed to confirm this. 'I've always liked Sega. I kind of grew up around their games,' said 19-year-old American Danny Villasenor. 'They're pretty retro. But I think they've evolved with time pretty well.' William Harrington, 24, who lives in Los Angeles, said his father 'put me on to a lot of the older games back in the day', and so to him, Sega 'feels like childhood'. Celebrity Columnists MMA Canada World
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Sonic The Hedgehog creator Sega eyes return to 1990s gaming glory
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster Sonic The Hedgehog has brought new fans to Japan's Sega. TOKYO – The big-screen success of 1990s video game speedster Sonic The Hedgehog has brought new fans to Japan's Sega, which says it is poised for a comeback after two tough decades. In 2025, all eyes have been on Nintendo, whose Switch 2 recently became the fastest-selling console in history. But unlike its former arch-rival, Sega has not sold gaming hardware since its Dreamcast console was discontinued in 2001, instead focusing on making games for other platforms. Now, as record tourism to Japan helps boost global appetite for the country's pop culture, the company sees a chance to reinvent itself – including through nostalgic game remakes and movie adaptations like the hit Sonic series. Sega opens its first flagship merchandise store in Japan on July 18, having launched a similar shop in Shanghai in May. 'Opportunities are expanding,' Sega chief operating officer Shuji Utsumi told AFP. 'We've been struggling... for a while, but now we are coming back.' The company aims to expand its business globally 'rather than focusing on the Japanese market', he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA launches anti-vaping checks near 5 institutes of higher learning Singapore Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it's time to raise the alarm Singapore NEA monitoring E. coli at Sentosa after elevated bacteria levels delays World Aquatics events Opinion The workplace needs to step up on mental health to match Singapore's efforts at the national level Life First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Singapore Zoo celebrates reptile baby boom, including hatchings of endangered species Business Market versus mission: What will Income Insurance choose? Business Singapore key exports surprise with 13% rebound in June amid tariff uncertainty Sega was a top industry player in the 1980s and 1990s, its name synonymous with noisy arcades, home consoles and game franchises, such as beat-em-up Streets Of Rage and ninja series Shinobi. But it struggled to keep up with intense competition, falling on hard times financially as multiplayer online titles from US publishers, such as World Of Warcraft, took off in the 2000s. After Sega quit the hardware business, its game offerings 'got a little stale', said Mr David Cole of US-based games market research firm DFC Intelligence. But 'the kids who grew up in the 1990s are now in their 30s, 40s, even older, and really like those franchises' – and are introducing them to their own children. It is 'untapped value' that Sega is trying to capitalise on through new movies, stores and theme park rides, Mr Cole added. In 2024, the film Sonic The Hedgehog 3, starring Jim Carrey as the villain, zipped to the top of the North American box office in one of the best December openings in years. It followed the first live-action Sonic movie in 2020, as Sega cashes in on a video-game movie craze that saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie, based on the Nintendo characters, become the second-highest grossing film of 2023. Shinobi is also being turned into a film, while Sega's Yakuza game series has been adapted for television. When asked if cult franchise 'Persona' could be next, Sega's Mr Utsumi said fans should 'stay tuned'. Sega is working on what it calls a 'Super Game' with big-budget international ambition and a scope that is 'not only just a game – communication, social, maybe potentially AI', Mr Utsumi said. 'The competition in the game market is very fierce,' he cautioned. Parent company Sega Sammy said in May its 'Sonic' intellectual property 'has contributed to an increase in both game and character licensing revenue'. Young tourists in Tokyo shopping near Sega's new store ahead of the opening seemed to confirm this. 'I've always liked Sega. I kind of grew up around their games,' said 19-year-old American Danny Villasenor. 'They're pretty retro. But I think they've evolved with time pretty well.' AFP
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sony wouldn't have "delivered the power" of the PS2 without "the specter of the Dreamcast," says former Sega and Microsoft exec: "Every incumbent needs a challenger to punch them in the face"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. It's no secret that Sega's beloved Dreamcast console paved the way for some of the best retro games of all time, but that's not all it did – it also set the stage for console behemoths like the iconic PlayStation 2 from Sony. Speaking in a recent interview with The Game Business, Peter Moore, former Sega president and Xbox executive at Microsoft, explains as much. First describing how "the Dreamcast passed the baton to the Xbox 360, which, with Microsoft's resources, was able to take the Sega Dreamcast and build upon it," Moore goes on to say that the 1998 console from Sega laid the groundwork for another system, too – the PlayStation 2. When asked about the looming threat of the PlayStation 2 over the Dreamcast, a threat that other consoles like the original Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube would go on to face, Moore openly admits that it was "not going to be able to survive against the juggernaut that was the PlayStation 2" – but that doesn't mean it didn't help usher in the new device from Sony or an era of online gaming that hadn't yet been touched before the Dreamcast. "Every incumbent needs a challenger to punch them in the face, right? And you know, from the perspective of what Sega was, it was keeping PlayStation honest – they would not have delivered the power of the PlayStation 2 without the specter of the Dreamcast," details the former company lead. "They needed to step up their game."It seems Sega's console, while not as long-lived as the PlayStation 2, was the push Sony needed to succeed. Online gaming has changed quite a bit since the late 90s and early 2000s, of course, but Sega and its influence on the industry remain timeless – as Moore puts it, the Dreamcast was a true "trailblazer" thanks to its capacity to support online you a fan of the 1998 console yourself? Here are some of the best Sega Dreamcast games ever to explore.
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Retro Fighters Controllers Make Me Love Playing Retro Games Again
Brawler64 Controllers for Nintendo 64 I have a large physical collection of over 800 video games, most of which are retro games for older consoles such as the Sega Dreamcast, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2, and so on. To me personally, there is nothing better than cracking open an old video game, flipping through the manual, putting it in the system it was designed to run on, and kicking back to enjoy some highly-concentrated bursts of nostalgia. Or, in many cases, appreciating a game I missed out on back in the day. However, some of the biggest bottlenecks to enjoying retro video games in the modern age are older controllers. That's where Retro Fighters comes in. Now that controller designs have mostly standardized between the Xbox controller, PlayStation controller, and Nintendo Switch Pro controller, anything that deviates feels strange—including older controllers that were still trying to be unique. For example, I absolutely love the Sega Dreamcast, but that controller is just not a pleasant thing to hold and use for me. I could write an entire article about my issues with that controller, but suffice it to say I'm not alone. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder And even for controllers I have a soft spot in my heart for, such as the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube controllers, they don't exactly feel natural and intuitive anymore. Plus, if you ever want to play games together with your kids, significant other, or friends that may not have grown up on those consoles, weird controller designs can be an immediate and swift turn off. Not to mention almost none of the original controllers were ever wireless back in the day. Old controller wires were not designed for modern living rooms with couches several feet away from entertainment centers. The Retro Fighters Controller Lineup For nearly every retro game console you might have, Retro Fighters probably has a controller for you. I've personally purchased their controllers for Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Sega Dreamcast (x3), and PlayStation. Additionally, they sent me one of their newest small six-button Dreamcast controllers, an improved GameCube controller, and their original Xbox controller. Furthermore, almost all of them work flawlessly on PC with the included USB dongle or via Bluetooth with devices like the Nintendo Switch. And yes, their GameCube controllers like the BattlerGC Pro which works with PC and original GameCube / Wii hardware, already has a firmware update so it can work with Switch 2 as well. As a result, I have a pretty big collection of controllers these days to go alongside my game collection. It's now gotten to the point that, unless I have a Retro Fighters controller for that system, I almost never turn it on. That probably makes my Super Nintendo quite sad, but it is what it is. The controllers that have made the biggest impact for me are definitely the wireless Dreamcast StrikerDC and the original Xbox Hunter controllers. I'm a big fan of the Nintendo 64 styled Brawler64 controller. For Dreamcast and N64, those dongles have slots in them for the VMU or memory card, respectively, since the original designs had those plugged into the back of the controllers directly. Since I have such a large collection, I naturally dabble across genres and platforms quite frequently. I'm far from an expert on any particular type of game, so I can't really speak to how well the D6 Dreamcast controller performs for fighting games, but it definitely feels good from what I've tried. It's their newest offering I've gotten the chance to try. Since the XYZ buttons don't exist on Dreamcast, they're mapped to L and R out of the box, which makes fighting games immediately more playable. It always felt awkward pulling triggers for punches and kicks on the Dreamcast controller. It's also a great for 2D games like shoot 'em ups with its responsive and clicky d-pad. Final Verdict—Retro Fighters Controllers Are Essential When I first discovered the Retro Fighters brand years ago, it really opened my eyes. These controllers are designed with such love and care that they make your consoles feel new again. I can hook my Dreamcast up to my Retrotink HDMI upscaler in the living room and sit back on the couch with a wireless controller and play all my favorite games on original hardware. Or I can pop in The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on PS2 and play local co-op with a friend without the wires getting tangled. Retro Fighters controllers feel like magic and they seriously breathe new life into old game consoles. Disclosure: Retro Fighters sent me some of their newest controllers to help facilitate this coverage and I was a Kickstarter backer of their very first Dreamcast controller years ago. However, I have purchased the majority of their controllers for myself.
