Sega is exploring the idea of launching its own video game subscription service, following the success of similar services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. These platforms offer gamers access to a range of titles for a monthly fee, rather than requiring them to buy each game individually. Sega’s president, Shuji Utsumi, has expressed interest in this concept, noting that the company is evaluating potential opportunities, although he declined to disclose further details at this time. The move would align with the growing trend of game streaming services, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Despite the potential benefits of a Sega subscription service, industry experts have raised concerns about the impact on gamers. Some worry that the introduction of another subscription service could lead to gamers spending more money, particularly if they need to subscribe to multiple platforms to access all the games they want. Companies like Nintendo, EA, and Ubisoft already offer their own membership plans, which means Sega would be entering a highly competitive space. While this could work for die-hard Sega fans, it might not appeal to the broader gaming audience, who are already juggling multiple subscriptions.
Currently, Sega’s games are available across various streaming platforms, with pricing models that vary depending on the service. For example, Xbox Game Pass offers monthly fees ranging from £6.99 to £14.99, while PlayStation Plus charges between £6.99 and £13.49 per month. From a financial standpoint, it could be more advantageous for Sega to launch its own subscription service, allowing the company to capture a larger share of the revenue generated by gamers who are playing its titles. However, for gamers who are not exclusively interested in Sega games, this could lead to higher overall costs.
Sega’s potential entry into the subscription service market comes at a time when the company is also working on revitalizing its brand. Utsumi, reflecting on Sega’s past success, acknowledged that the company had become too focused on its domestic market in Japan and needed to re-establish itself on the global stage. He emphasized the importance of confidence and a bold approach to reinvigorating the company, hoping to return to the “rock and roll mentality” that defined Sega during its competitive rivalry with Nintendo in the 1990s.
In addition to discussing the future of Sega’s gaming ventures, Utsumi highlighted some of the company’s recent achievements, including the success of new titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and the continued popularity of the Sonic franchise. However, the year hasn’t been without challenges, such as job cuts and the delay of Football Manager 2025 due to quality concerns. Outside of gaming, Sega has also been involved in film and television adaptations, including the release of the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Despite some setbacks, Utsumi remains optimistic about the future, focusing on delivering high-quality games and maintaining Sega’s iconic presence in the gaming world.
