With platforms like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online leading the way, it seems every gaming company is diving into the subscription model. Add services like Ubisoft+, EA Play, and numerous others to the mix, and it’s turning into quite the chaotic landscape. In light of this, Sega’s new president, Shuji Utsumi, has hinted that the iconic company may be exploring a similar subscription service, though he kept specifics under wraps.
During a recent interview with the BBC, Utsumi mentioned, “There are discussions underway, but we are unable to share further details at this time.” He had previously expressed his view that subscription services are “very interesting.”
The reaction from the gaming community has been varied. Many players are already feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of subscription options and the soaring costs associated with them. Additionally, with Sega’s games available on numerous platforms, questions arise about whether a dedicated Sega service would restrict access to its titles from existing subscriptions.
The answer remains uncertain. However, Utsumi expressed a desire to “make Sega shine again,” alluding to the company’s peak years during the 1990s. Sega has tended to focus more on the domestic market, and he aims to reinvigorate the brand and elevate its international profile by reintroducing a “rock and roll” ethos to gaming.
Those who experienced the 90s rivalries will recall the fierce competition between Nintendo and Sega, where Sonic the Hedgehog was marketed as the edgy alternative to the beloved plumber. If Sega decides to roll out a subscription service, it has a wealth of titles to draw from. Recent hits like Sonic X Shadow Generations, Shin Megami Tensei V, and the Like a Dragon franchise could attract a lot of users. However, if these titles were to be removed from other platforms, it might lead to a backlash from the gaming community.
Utsumi refrained from providing many specifics in the interview, frequently stating that details were not ready to be shared. As Sega contemplates launching a subscription service in this already competitive market, it will need a unique approach to stand out.
