Sega considering Netflix-like game subscription service

Sega is currently considering the launch of a new subscription service for video games that would function similarly to Netflix. This potential service would allow gamers to pay a monthly fee to access a wide variety of games, rather than purchasing each game individually. This trend is becoming increasingly popular in the gaming industry, with several companies already offering similar subscription models. For instance, Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus allow players to enjoy a range of titles for a monthly fee. Shuji Utsumi, the president of Sega, shared his thoughts with the BBC, stating that subscription services are 'very interesting' and that the company is 'evaluating some opportunities. ' He added, 'We're thinking about something and discussing something, but we cannot disclose right now. ' This indicates that Sega is exploring new avenues to engage with gamers. However, there are concerns within the industry regarding the potential impact of Sega's move. Some industry experts worry that introducing another subscription service could lead to gamers spending more money on multiple subscriptions. Currently, there are numerous companies in the gaming subscription space, including Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft, each offering their own membership plans. Rachel Howie, a popular Twitch streamer known as DontRachQuit, expressed her mixed feelings about the idea of another subscription service. She stated, 'We have so many subscriptions already that we find it very difficult to justify signing up for a new one. ' Howie believes that while Sega will undoubtedly attract a dedicated audience, the average gamer may find it challenging to choose Sega's service over established options like Xbox Game Pass. Sophie Smart, the Production Director at UK developer No More Robots, echoed Howie's sentiments. She shared her nostalgia for Sega, recalling her first console, the Sega Mega Drive, and expressed her desire to see the company thrive. However, she raised concerns about the possibility of Sega's games being removed from other platforms if they were to create their own subscription service. 'If so, it could mean that consumers are shelling out more money across owning multiple subscription services,' she noted. Ahead of the premiere of the film Sonic 3, Shuji Utsumi spoke candidly about Sega's past and future. He reflected on the company's glory days in the 1990s when Sonic the Hedgehog was a fierce competitor to Nintendo's Super Mario. Utsumi expressed a desire to restore Sega's former shine, stating, 'I want to make Sega really shiny again. ' He acknowledged that the company had been overly focused on success in Japan and needed to re-establish itself on a global scale. 'Sega has been somehow losing confidence,' he remarked. 'But why? Sega has a great RPG group, amazing IPs, and is a well-known brand. ' Utsumi emphasized the need for Sega to adopt a more aggressive approach, saying, 'Now is not the time to be defensive - but more offensive. ' He believes that the company must prioritize creating exceptional games, particularly in the Sonic series. Utsumi hinted that the next Sonic game will be both challenging and exciting, but he refrained from revealing whether a new Sonic Adventure game is in the works. He acknowledged the significance of Sonic Adventure, stating, 'Sonic Adventure was kind of a game-changer for Sonic. ' Fans of the series have been eagerly awaiting the return of the Chao Garden, a beloved feature from Sonic Adventure. Utsumi mentioned that they have been discussing it but could not provide further details. This year has been a mix of achievements and challenges for Sega. The company has celebrated multiple awards for their new game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, developed by the team behind the Persona series. However, they have also faced difficulties, including job cuts in March and the delay of Football Manager 2025 to next year. Utsumi described the job cuts as a 'hard decision,' emphasizing that sometimes tough choices are necessary for progress. He also explained that the delay of Football Manager was due to 'a quality issue,' stating, 'We decided to keep having the quality level - to keep that discipline. ' Beyond gaming, Sega has been involved in various film and television adaptations, culminating in the release of the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Utsumi expressed his excitement about the film, saying, 'I just saw the movie - it's so much fun. ' He hopes that the enthusiasm generated by the movie will continue to resonate with fans.