Sega is considering launching a game subscription service similar to Netflix

Sega COO and newly appointed president Shuji Utsumi has said the publisher is considering a Netflix-esque gaming subscription service for its games. The gaming industry is transitioning to a more streaming-esque service, and Sega seems to be considering the same thing. Many gaming companies have also transitioned to offering games through subscription services, as seen with Microsoft and Sony's own services.

Microsoft has Xbox Game Pass, while Sony offers PlayStation Plus. Subscribers pay a monthly or annual fee for access to a range of titles rather than owning them outright. Other companies such as Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft all offer their own subscription plans as well, with Nintendo Switch Online in particular giving fans access to many classic games from Nintendo's library, including the Sega Genesis platform at the top level. Based on recent comments made by Sega's president, the publisher is seriously considering the possibility of launching its own subscription service.

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In a statement provided to BBC.com, Shuji Utsumi said that subscription products like Netflix were interesting and that Sega was evaluating some of the opportunities it offered. The move to the Sega-based streaming gaming service is still very early, so it's possible the idea is only in the planning stages. “We're thinking about something – and discussing something – that we can't reveal right now,” Utsumi said.

Sega's potential subscription service and recent delistings

Sega recently delisted several classic games across various platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Some of these include eliminated games Sega Genesis Classics collection, Sonic the Fighters, Virtua Fighter 2and much more. It's possible that Sega is delisting all of these games through different services so it can consolidate its library under a single service. As such, it's not inconceivable that Sega would want to put its games under one service and make more direct profit from it.

While this may be a beneficial service for big Sega fans, there are already many different subscription services available that gamers must pay to keep up with the library. Various insiders who spoke to BBC.com expressed similar concerns, saying that its games would be removed from other services as Sega considers its own rival subscription service.

Shuji Utsumi also spoke to BBC.com about his confidence in the revival Sega Not only with Sonic franchise, but also seen with the upcoming reboots of many other legacy IPs, such as Properties Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio. As such, it appears that the publisher is shifting to a more modern global strategy, such as launching its own gaming subscription service.

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Sega

Date of establishment

June 3, 1960

Headquarters

Shinagawa City, Tokyo, Japan

CEO

Hajime Satomi