Sega Explores Netflix-style Game Subscription Service

Sega expresses interest in a subscription service for gaming, looking to broaden its global reach and compete with other major players in the gaming industry.

Sega is reportedly contemplating the establishment of a Netflix-like subscription service for video games, a strategy that would significantly enhance the gaming industry's push toward streaming. This initiative follows the overwhelming success of “SegaSonic x Shadow Generations,” which sold over one million copies in its launch day earlier this October.

In an interview with the BBC, Sega’s president, Shuji Utsumi, conveyed the intriguing nature of subscription models, noting that the firm is in discussions about potential opportunities but declined to provide specific details. Utsumi stated, “We’re thinking something – and discussing something – we cannot disclose right now,” indicating that their plans are still in the early stages.

The gaming landscape is already crowded with similar subscription offerings, such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, where users pay a monthly fee for access to an array of games rather than owning individual titles outright. Critics within the industry have voiced concerns that this trend may lead to gamers incurring higher costs by having to subscribe to multiple services, which may dilute the consumer experience.

Currently, various Sega titles are available across numerous streaming platforms, each presenting a range of pricing depending on the services provided. For example, Xbox Game Pass fees can vary from £6.99 to £14.99 monthly, while PlayStation Plus ranges from £6.99 to £13.49. Utsumi believes that setting up a dedicated subscription service could serve Sega’s core audience more effectively, although for the broader gaming community, it might pose a financial burden by necessitating additional subscriptions.

Twitch streamer Rachel Howie, known as DontRachQuit, shared her mixed feelings about another subscription service, stating, “We find it very difficult to justify signing up for a new one.” She mentioned Sega likely has a loyal following that would benefit from such a service, but the question remains whether average gamers would gravitate towards it over existing options like Game Pass.

The voice of Sophie Smart, Production Director at No More Robots, echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope for Sega's revival. Reflecting on Sega’s rich history, she pondered the implications of the subscription service potentially leading to exclusive title removals from other platforms, which might further strain consumer finances.

Utsumi, who spoke to the BBC ahead of the Sonic 3 premiere, emphasized his desire to revitalize Sega, which once dominated the gaming industry in the 1990s against fierce competition from Nintendo. He highlighted a shift in focus from merely seeking success in Japan towards re-establishing a strong global presence, stating, “Sega has been somehow losing confidence,” and stressing the need for a more adventurous approach.

The plan would involve creating quality gameplay experiences, aiming to provide gamers with “a quite challenging, quite exciting” new Sonic title, while not shedding light on a potential Sonic Adventure sequel. Furthermore, fan-favorite features like the Chao Garden have been discussed, but Utsumi remained tight-lipped about specifics.

Despite facing some setbacks, like workforce reductions in March and delays for titles such as Football Manager 2025, Utsumi sees a promising future for Sega. Their most recent successes include accolades for new Intellectual Property “Metaphor: ReFantazio.” With the anticipation building around the third Sonic movie, Utsumi expressed optimism, asserting, “I just saw the movie – it’s so much fun,” hoping it boosts excitement surrounding Sega’s future in gaming and beyond.