Sega Explores Game Subscription Model Inspired by Netflix

Sega is contemplating the introduction of its own subscription-based service akin to Netflix for video games, a step that would further propel the industry’s shift toward streaming.

Several comparable services exist in the market – including Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus – that require gamers to pay a monthly charge for a variety of titles instead of owning them completely.

Shuji Utsumi, president of Sega, informed the BBC that such subscription offerings were “very intriguing,” and his company was “exploring various opportunities.”

“We’re discussing possibilities – but we cannot reveal anything at this moment,” he stated.

However, some industry experts have voiced concerns that this direction might result in gamers “spending more money” on numerous subscription options.

Game subscriptions aren’t solely offered by Sony and Microsoft – numerous competitors like Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft have initiated their own membership schemes.

At present, various Sega titles can be streamed on a variety of platforms.

Pricing for these services varies based on the features and games they provide. For instance, Xbox Game Pass charges between £6.99 and £14.99 monthly, while PlayStation Plus ranges from £6.99 to £13.49 monthly.

Thus, it would be economically sensible for Sega to have players of its games pay subscription costs rather than its competitors.

This could also appeal to players interested mainly in Sega’s titles – yet for others, it might lead to increased expenses.

Rachel Howie streams her gaming sessions on Twitch, recognized by her fans as DontRachQuit, and stated she felt both “enthusiastic and apprehensive” regarding the potential new subscription service

“We already manage numerous subscriptions, making it quite tough to rationalize committing to a fresh one,” she mentioned to BBC.

“I believe SEGA will undoubtedly have a loyal core audience that stands to gain from this initiative, but will the ordinary gamer prefer this over options like Game Pass?”

Sophie Smart, Production Director at UK developer No More Robots, concurred.

“Being someone whose initial console was the Sega Mega Drive, my greatest wish is to see Sega flourish, and this feels like a progressive step,” she expressed.

However, she questioned if the establishment of a competing subscription service by Sega could result in their games being excluded from other platforms.

“If that’s the case, it could translate to consumers incurring additional costs by having to subscribe to various services,” she commented.

Shuji Utsumi conversed with the BBC just before the Sonic 3 film premiere on Saturday, following a year where he managed the launches of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and the latest Sonic the Hedgehog title.

Our discussion began in an unanticipated manner.

The very first thing Mr. Utsumi said suggested a hint that the company, which reigned in the gaming scene during the 1990s…with a competition between Sonic the Hedgehog and Nintendo’s Super Mario, may have deviated from its path.

“I aspire to make Sega exceptionally vibrant again,” he mentioned.

He indicated that Sega had been overly concentrated on its local achievements in Japan and needed to assert itself globally, which necessitates extending beyond its core audience.

“Sega has been gradually waning in confidence,” he remarked.

“But why is that? Sega possesses a fantastic RPG team, Sega boasts incredible IPs, Sega is undeniably a prominent brand.

“So I thought, now isn’t the moment to be cautious – rather, it should be more aggressive.”

He expressed that the organization was too preoccupied with managing expenses during his takeover, and he aims to “infuse a rock and roll spirit” into gaming.

When I remarked that it resembled an earlier strategy – Sega’s promotions in the 90s often positioned Sonic the Hedgehog as the hip alternative to Mario – he concurred.

He asserted that the company now simply needs to “create a remarkable game” in the franchise.

“The upcoming title is going to be quite challenging and exhilarating, and we are currently developing it,” he stated.

However, he refrained from revealing if Sega was contemplating a continuation of the beloved Sonic Adventure series.

“Sonic Adventure was somewhat a transformative experience for Sonic,” he expressed.

“When we unveil it, it ought to be impressive, it should astonish – we need to meet or even surpass public expectations, thus it requires ample time.”

Fans have been eager to see the return of part of the series, which is the Chao Garden – a cherished virtual pet associated with Sonic Adventure.

Mr. Utsumi mentioned that “we have been discussing it” – but he did not elaborate further, only stating he couldn’t “disclose too much about it”.

Mr. Utsumi predictably highlighted the company’s triumphs this year, which have involved receiving numerous gaming accolades with the new IP Metaphor: ReFantazio, produced by the creators of the Persona series.

Nevertheless, not everything has been favorable for the organization, as they faced job reductions in March, and Football Manager 2025 has been postponed until next year.

“It was a tough choice,” he reflected regarding the layoffs which resulted in 240 individuals losing their positions.

“But when you reset the initiative, tough decisions need to be made.”

He also stated that the delay of Football Manager was due to “a quality concern.”

“I mean, financially, perhaps releasing the game prematurely could be the better option.

“However, we opted to maintain the quality levels – to uphold that discipline.”

Furthermore, he discussed how Sega’s year has unfolded outside the gaming arena, with several movie and TV adaptations culminating with the third Sonic the Hedgehog film set to premiere on Saturday.

“I just watched the movie – it’s an absolute blast. It would be wonderful if that kind of thrill continues.”