Sega of America Tuesday announced it purchased a significant minority share of Visual Concepts Entertainment Inc., a leading video game developer. Visual Concepts will create Sega-branded titles exclusively for Sega's video game consoles and the PC starting in 1998.

While the two companies will continue to operate as separate entities, Sega will occupy one of three seats on Visual Concepts' board of directors. Visual Concepts is best known for creating the top-selling hockey game of 1997, "NHL Hockey 97," which was published by Electronic Arts. The company's track record of hit titles also includes "Madden NFL 94," "Madden 95," "Clay Fighter," "Taz-Mania," "Desert Strike" and "EA Sports Presents MLBPA Baseball."

Resident Evil, Megaman X4 and The Lost World: Jurassic Park have all shipped and should be in stores nationwide tomorrow, October 1, 1997. Resident Evil is the Saturn version of one of the most popular PlayStation games of all-time. Megaman X4 is the latest Megaman game for the Saturn from Capcom. And The Lost World: Jurassic Park is a 2.5D side scrolling action/platform game that has been developed by Sega of America for the Saturn.

September 29, 1997

Sega of America, Inc. today announced its fall advertising campaign which speaks the hard-core gamer's language, not with a loud "SEGA" scream, but with the straight-forward and reassuring promise: "Sega Hard Stuff."

The $25 million "Hard Stuff" campaign, created by San Francisco-based agency of the Year Foote, Cone & Belding, is rooted in the brand but focused on Sega's great games. The overall message is derived from an emphasis on the finger-bleeding, body aching intensity of the Sega gaming experience. Ads will run in targeted media that speak directly to the video gaming audience.

Launching in October, the campaign will be heavily weighted in television and print mediums and flanked by direct mail, online, insert post cards and point-of-purchase programs.

The broadcast campaign, which begins airing on MTV October 6, features five different spots for this fall's highlight games: "Sonic R" "Last Bronx" "NBA Action '98" "NHL Hockey '98" and "World Series Baseball '98." The campaign features an eye-catching film technique called "Stop Action Animation," this style of filming makes humans look like animated characters, giving them a playful but serious look. This technique debuts in the TV spot for "Sonic R" a fast-paced 3D racing game based on Sega's mascot Sonic the Hedgehog.

The print advertising, supporting Sega Saturn and Sega Entertainment's PC games, shows the impact of "hard core" gaming and offers up cheat codes and gameplay tips -- the information most in demand by dedicated gamers . The ads will run in core video game and PC gaming magazines, as well as in Details, Sports Illustrated, Spin, React, Nickelodeon, Verge, Marvel Comics and Sports Illustrated for Kids. Also starting this season, Sega will begin to advertise in "enthusiast" alternative publications such as Bikini, Skateboarding, Snowboarder, Trans World, Thrasher and Raygun, which will maximize the impressions for crossover readers in the gaming industry.

Sega Saturn print advertising has already begun and includes campaigns for "Sonic R," "Sonic Jam" "World Series Baseball '98," "NHL All-Star Hockey '98," NBA Action '98," "Enemy Zero," Net Link hardware and game packs and the Sega Genesis Mega Hits Series. Sega's PC gaming ads will support "Last Bronx," "NBA Action '98," "Enemy Zero," "Sonic 3D Blast" "Manx TT" and "Daytona USA Deluxe."

Summer is over, so it's time to turn on the HEAT. After four months of rigorous beta-testing by 65,000 registered members, SegaSoft Networks, Inc. has launched full-scale commercial operation of its HEAT.NET Internet Game Network. The launch also includes the nationwide retail release of the HEAT Multi-player Internet Game Network Start-Up Kit.

SegaSoft also offers as part of its HEAT network launch, a complete start-up retail package for online enthusiasts and novices alike. The HEAT Start-Up Kit includes six pre-paid months of HEAT Premium membership. The Windows 95 CD-ROM is packed with four HEAT-exclusive multi-player games, six game demos and Internet access from MCI. Priced under $30.00, the kit is available at leading software retailers everywhere, including Babbages, Best Buy, CompUSA, Computer City, Egghead, Electronics Boutique and Fry's Electronics.

Sega Enterprises Ltd said on Monday it had obtained a patent in Japan for its three-dimensional computer graphic technology, which is widely used in racing and other game machines. A company spokesman said Sega would start talks with other makers such as Sony Corp's Sony Computer Entertainment Inc and Namco Ltd <9752.T> on fees for the use of Sega's technology in their game machines.

But the spokesman declined to confirm how much Sega planned to charge the other makers.

The Japanese financial daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported at the weekend that the fee Sega would charge rival game makers for the right to use its patent would be equivalent to "several percent" of the price of game machines.

Keeping with the Texas tradition of BIG entertainment, GameWorks, a new breed of club which redefines play, has announced the opening of its fourth location in Grapevine, Texas (twenty minutes equidistant from Dallas and Fort Worth). GameWorks Grapevine is debuting in conjunction with the new Grapevine Mills mega mall, scheduled to open on October 30, 1997.

GameWorks is the newest entertainment experience that combines the best of the industry's technology with a nightclub atmosphere. GameWorks, inspired by DreamWorks SKG, Sega Enterprises and Universal Studios Inc., was developed under the guidance of Steven Spielberg.

GameWorks' main areas include the Loading Dock, a competitive zone where guests can put the newest games to the test; the Arena, a high-energy area that features GameWorks' signature and multi-player games; and the Loft, a relaxing environment offering a variety of classic video games, traditional games and Internet activities, as well as food, beverages and a coffee bar.

Signature games - designed and developed by GameWorks - include Vertical Reality and Game Arc. Up to twelve players are strapped into chairs on Vertical Reality which rise and fall, up to 24 feet, as they conquer new levels, and battle the "bad element." Game Arc - a high-end, networked game, features state-of-the-art video display and an elaborate sound system - where up to eight players battle against each other in the most intense environment possible. Other multi-player games include three-dimensional sound simulator games, photo-realistic racing competitions and interactive action adventures.

The GameWorks Loft offers classic video games, such as PacMan, Asteroids and Centipede, as well as timeless games like Foosball and pool. The SportZone offers a full selection of sports games, including basketball, a virtual batting cage, and air hockey. An Internet lounge is also located in the Loft area.

A preliminary injunction has been issued in connection with the unlawful importation, distribution and operation of Sega's hit coin-operated video game, "The House of The Dead." The order was issued by Judge George King of the United States District Court for the Central District of California in the copyright infringement action brought by Sega Enterprises Ltd., and Sega GameWorks L.L.C., the exclusive U.S. distributor for Sega coin-operated video games, against an importer/dealer and an arcade operator.

"We are delighted that the Court has seen fit to validate the important copyright interest of Sega being threatened by the actions of this dealer and this operator," said Al Stone, president of the game sales division of Sega GameWorks. "We are confident that operators across the nation will get the message that the only proper source of Sega games, the finest in the industry, is from authorized Sega distributors, also the best in the industry."

September 24, 1997

Sega Entertainment Inc. has signed joint promotional deals with a number of leading consumer products companies as part of its fall marketing strategy to sell PC games to the mass market buyer. SEI's promotional partners include Hershey's, March of Dimes and Compaq Computer Corp., resulting in millions of impressions through on-package offers, point-of-purchase displays and co-op advertising for consumer products sold nationwide.

"The partnership between candy bars and computer games indicates that PC gaming is now a mass market product category," said Jill Braff, director of marketing, SEI. "These lifestyle-marketing campaigns enable us to reach our target buyers through a range of product tie-ins that directly correlate to the demographics of the new PC gaming audience."

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEWS:

Hershey's is Sweet on Sega

Hershey's is offering an exclusive Sonic the Hedgehog PC Sampler of four great Sega games, including "Sonic CD," "Sonic & Knuckles," "Sonic's Schoolhouse" and "Garfield." The offer will appear on 10 million six packs of Milk Chocolate, Almond, Reese's, Nutrageous, Kit Kat and Peppermint Patty products. The program runs Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 and will be supported by point-of-purchase materials, including coupon tear pads.

March of Dimes Offers Free PC Games

The 1 million sponsors and participants supporting the "Rebel with a Cause" race, the largest motorcycle charity event on the East Coast, will receive coupons for free copies of SEI's arcade racing game "Daytona USA Deluxe." This promotion was coordinated by B&N Cos., a promotional premium company focusing on software out of Atlanta. Running from September through December, the promotion will benefit the "healthy baby" programs.

Compaq and Sega Go "Mad About You"

Compaq's "Go Mad with Compaq and Go Mad with Savings" program, co-sponsored by Sega Entertainment, gives people who buy any Compaq Presario computer up to $50 in savings on great Sega PC games plus an exclusive "Mad About You" music CD. Consumers can save $10 off each of the top-selling Sega PC games this fall: "Virtua Fighter 2," "Worldwide Soccer," "Sonic 3D Blast," "Manx TT SuperBike" and "Daytona USA Deluxe."

Compaq's comprehensive promotional program runs Aug. 28 - Oct. 31, 1997. In-store POP displays, print advertising and co-op radio spots will build awareness.

Super Robot Wars F, Do Don Pachi and Mobile Suit Z Gundam Houhen have all been released for the Saturn in Japan and should now be available for import in the US. Super Robot Wars F is a strategy/simulation game from Banpresto, Do Don Pachi is a shooter, and Mobile Suit Z Gundam Houhen is a action/fighting/shooter.

September 22, 1997

Sega of America today announced an agreement with Yahoo! to act as the exclusive U.S. merchandise licensing agent of record, providing its licensing expertise to the Internet's leading navigational guide. The video game giant's licensing division will help one of the most-recognized entities on the Internet bring its brand to consumer products ranging from apparel to computer accessories.

As a result of the agreement, Sega's licensing division will oversee and execute all of Yahoo!'s licensing and merchandising programs for brands including Yahoo!, My Yahoo!, Do You Yahoo! and Yahooligans!. In addition to clothing and computer accessories, Sega's licensing team will pursue product categories on behalf of Yahoo! such as stationery, back-to-school items, sporting goods, watches and footwear.

"As the leading Internet brand with more than 24 million users in the United States, Yahoo! is in an ideal position to extend into consumer products and reach a broader base of individuals," said Jeff Mallett, senior vice president of business operations at Yahoo!. "Working together with Sega, we will bring the essence of the Yahoo! brand -- fun, irreverent, friendly -- to the highest quality merchandise in a variety of product categories."

Sega licensed properties include Sonic the Hedgehog, "Virtua Fighter 2", SEGA SPORTS, Sega Kids Club, Bug and NiGHTS. Products bearing these licenses include plush toys, apparel, SpaghettiO's and back-to-school products. To date, Sega licensed products have generated more than $1.5 billion in world-wide retail sales.

September 19, 1997

In yesterday's Jamma news update, a lot of games were said to be on Sega's Model 3 arcade board that are actually on Sega's Model 2 board. The real Model 3 games are Virtual On , Virtua Fighter 3tb, Get Bass, Lost World Special, Le Mans 24, and Scud Racer Plus. Sega Water Ski, Motor Raid and especially Winter Heat and Ski Champ are Model 2c or Titan.

September 18, 1997

Sega displayed plenty of new Arcade games at the JAMMA show today. The games included:

Lost World Special, A theater version of Sega's Lost World shooting game. It includes air blasters, reactive guns, sliding and vibrating seats and a 90" screen;

Virtual On Oratorio Tangram, AM3's follow-up to Virtual On, using the Model 3 board. It features 12 Virtualoids, easier controls and individual weapons;

Get Bass, the third version of Sega's fishing game. It's on Sega's Model 3 board and it features 3D CGI graphics;

Sega Water Ski, a new water skiing game that is on Sega's Model 3 Board;

Motor Raid, a motorcycle combat racing game that is on Sega's Model 3 Board;

Le Mans 24, is a Model 3 racing game that is unique in that you are competing in a 24-hour marathon race;

Virtua Fighter 3TB, is a new version of VF3 that features team play and new viewing angles;

Winter Heat, which is a winter sports version of Decathlete that features slalom, ski jump, speed skating, speed skiing, bobsleds, Alpine downhill, short track skate and cross country events;

Scud Race Plus, a new version of Scud Race that features a new beginner's course, four new beginner cars, and a reverse course mode;

Ski Champ, which is a new ski game featuring three courses and lots of events.

As mentioned above, Sega showed off a new version of Scud Race at JAMMA called Scud Race Plus. The most noticeable addition to this game is four new vehicles. Here's a rundown of the new vehicles:

Bus: Although it has a diesel engine, there isn't much acceleration. Whenever you get into a crash, however, you are almost invincible, so you'll always come out on top. The people seen on the bus may be from the AM2 team (notice the "AM2" over the windshield). Due to it's handling, however, you can seldom drift in the bus.

Tank: A tank with a big head attached to the top of it. When using the tank, player can shoot the cannon. If you hit an opponent with your shot, the opponent will fly into the air. The screen also displays the number of successful hits that the player has gotten.

Cat: Maximum speed is 271 kilometers, but it's cornering is awesome. The cat's weakness is that whenever it hits another car, it's speed is greatly reduced.

Rocket: Maximum speed is 400 kilometers due to the rocket engine in the back of the car. Player can use drifting technique, like that in Daytona USA. Player can use chaffing up to three times a game, where player burns more fuel for acceleration.

The Electronic Entertainment Exposition will return to Los Angeles May 13 to 15, 1999 to launch a five-year run, the show's owner, the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) and the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau today.

E3 will return to the Los Angeles Convention Center after a two-year engagement at the Georgia World Congress Center (G.W.C.C.) in Atlanta. The 1998 E3 will be held at the G.W.C.C. from May 28 to 30, 1998 and early sales are extremely strong reports show management.

E3 was held in Los Angeles in 1995 and 1996. In 1997, the IDSA moved the show to Atlanta to accommodate the growing demand for exhibit space. Since that decision was made, the Los Angeles Convention Center (L.A.C.C.) has undergone an expansion permitting the show's return. The 1999 E3 Expo will occupy the entire L.A.C.C., covering approximately 536,000 net square feet of exhibit space, making it one of the largest shows at the facility.

"We never lost sight that this convention could return to its birthplace and made certain E3 would be welcomed back by the city and its dynamic entertainment industry," said George Kirkland, president of the L.A. Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Today we celebrate E3's return to Los Angeles -- especially its five-year commitment to the community."

September 16, 1997

Sonic is struttin' his stuff on the PC ... and he's never looked so good, because for the first time on the PC, Sonic is in full 3-D! Sega Entertainment Inc. (SEI) is taking a hit Sonic title and optimizing it for the PC with superior 3-D graphics and blazing speed to bring "Sonic 3D Blast" exploding onto a computer screen near you today.

Other Sonic titles available for the PC from SEI include "Sonic & Knuckles Collection," "Sonic's Schoolhouse" and "Sonic CD." "Sonic 3D Blast" is also available on Sega Saturn and Sega Genesis. The PC version has been optimized to exploit the advanced graphics, sound and gameplay capabilities of the Intel Pentium processor and Windows 95.

"Sonic 3D Blast" is now available for $29.99 nationwide and operates on a minimum specification of a 75 Mhz Pentium with memory of 8 MB. Players can use a keyboard or any Windows 95 compatible peripheral.

September 15, 1997

Sega Entertainment Inc. appointed Skip McFerran as director of sales for the company's growing PC games business. McFerran will be Sega's first sales director dedicated specifically to the PC games category. McFerran most recently served as Sega of America's Midwest regional sales director for home console video-game sales. His move to Sega Entertainment comes as the company expands its presence in the PC software retail channel, having recently earned a spot on PC Data's top 25 software publishers list.

Skip has more than 20 years of experience in retail sales in roles ranging from buyer to merchandise manager to national sales director,'' said Shinobu Toyoda, chairman and chief executive officer, SEI. ``Skip understands the mass-market retailer and consumer that Sega's PC games appeal to; we're fortunate to have him dedicated to our team.''

SEI, known for enhancing Sega's best arcade, sports and character games for the PC, will ship 12 titles this year. Included in the lineup are games based on Sega's most popular driving, fighting and character properties -- ``Daytona USA Deluxe,'' ``Virtua Fighter 2'' and ``Sonic 3D Blast,'' respectively.

September 12, 1997

Silhouette Mirage, a 2D action game developed by Treasure, has been released in Japan and is currently available for import in the US. Treasure is well known for classic Saturn and Genesis titles like Guardian Heroes, Gunstar Heroes, Dynamite Headdy and Alien Soldier.

September 11, 1997

September 8, 1997

Shares in Sega Enterprises Ltd rose in Tokyo morning trade on Monday on news that the gamemaker was negotiating with Microsoft Corp over a possible business tie-up. As of 0004 GMT, the shares jump 100 yen to 3,650.

"We are negotiating with Microsoft on a tie-up but we cannot say anything further now," a Sega spokesman told Reuters on Monday. He said he could could not immediately comment on a newspaper report on Sunday that it would develop a next-generation 128-bit game machine with Microsoft.

Sega Enterprises Ltd., a major Japanese video game maker, refused Monday to comment on a report it is planning to develop a higher-powered video game machine with Microsoft Corp. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun said in its Sunday editions that Sega plans to develop a 128-bit home-use video game machine through a venture with Microsoft. The two companies will officially sign an agreement as early as October, the report said.

A Sega spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the company has been in talks with Microsoft on developing products, but said the types of products the two will develop are yet to be finalized. A spokesman in Microsoft's Tokyo office said Microsoft is now discussing selling ``Widows CE,'' an operating system software for use in personal computers, to the Japanese maker.

But Microsoft has not made a decision on whether it will form any sort of business link with Sega, said the Microsoft spokesman, who also spoke on condition of anonymity. The new video game machine would be the most powerful in the industry, surpassing Sega's 32-bit model and rivals such as a 64-bit machine made by Nintendo Co.

September 7, 1997

Enix of Japan had numerous PlayStation titles, but one of their most interesting titles on display was a video demo of Madou Monogatari, and RPG for the Sega Saturn that stars Aruru from Puyo Puyo.

Also shown at the TGS was Warrz, which is an RPG that will utilize the Sega Saturn Modem for Network play. Warzz lets you travel around and also interact with other players that are in the world at the same time that you are in. While it may not be an Ultima Online, it should be a welcome site for Saturn NetLink owners in Japan.

Tecmo's Dead or Alive apparently is looking very good and should be ready for its October 9th release date in Japan.

Sega's Sonic R is coming along smoothly as the version at TGS is a lot better looking and features more tracks than the very incomplete version that was shown at E3.Another Sega Saturn racer, Sega Touring Car Championship, is also coming along greatly as it looks like it will be the fastest moving racing game for the Sega Saturn and controls perfectly with Sega's Analog Control Pad. Only time will tell if it can surpass such titles as Daytona and Sega Rally in the all-important gameplay department.

September 5, 1997

Capcom's X-Men vs. Street Fighter was on display using the new 4 MB RAM cart and the problems of long load times seems to have been substantially reduced, even when you switch characters during the fight. Other games that have been announced for the 4 MB RAM cart include Vampire Savior and MSH vs. Street Fighter. it is rumored that D&D Collection may use the RAM cart, as well.

Sega Entertainment's Virtual On MMX for the PC should ship soon and should begin appearing on store shelves early next week. Virtual On MMX is enhanced for both MMX and Power VR technologies and when combine you get yourself a version nearly identical to the arcade game. Virtual On MMX has a suggested retail price of $49.99.

September 3, 1997

Sega of America, Inc. said that the company is reviewing the complaint filed August 29, 1997 by 3Dfx Interactive. Sega's statement regarding the complaint is as follows:

1. Sega takes exception to 3Dfx's allegations of improper conduct;
2. Sega is an investor in 3Dfx, and it would not be involved in any activities that would disclose 3Dfx's proprietary information;
3. Sega has strategic partnerships with numerous entities and, in the course of the relationships, receives proprietary information. Sega has always respected the proprietary rights of its partners, and expects the same treatment in return; and
4. Sega plans to aggressively defend itself against 3Dfx's complaints.

Heads up,soccer fans. Sega Entertainment Inc is bringing all the rivalry, victory and defeat from soccer fields around the world to the PC with its latest release, "Worldwide Soccer." With customized features such as four-player network play,personalized team creation and online chat, "Worldwide Soccer"provides intense gameplay that sports fans and soccer buffs will love -- and no one has to put on cleats!

"Worldwide Soccer" kicks the true-to-life experience to your desktop with authentic gameplay, 3-D graphics, unique 360-degreecamera angles, on-the-fly color commentary and instant replay options that will leave soccer fans wanting more. Gameplay begins with 48 of the toughest teams in the world, five playing modes ranging from Exhibition to the Worldwide Cup, and real-time network play via LAN, modem, serial link and the Internet.

Gamers can even relive their greatest triumphs by using the"golden goal" instant replay feature, which enables you to save your most impressive goal to the hard drive and upload it during chat mode or post it on the Internet. Gamers can use chat to find opponents or taunt competitors throughout the game. In addition, a multilanguage feature allows for play in English, Spanish, German and French.

"`Worldwide Soccer' combines the authentic sports action Sega is known for with nonstop gaming that anyone in the family can play and enjoy," said Jill Braff, director of marketing, SEI."In fact, PC game reviewers are already calling `Worldwide Soccer' the best soccer game on the market."

Cobi Jones, midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy and the U.S. National Soccer Team, has been working with SEI throughout the development of "Worldwide Soccer" to ensure the complete authenticity of the title. With four World Cup appearances, Jones knows what it takes to bring all the stats, moves and excitement from the soccer field straight to the PC.

"Sega and I have worked very hard to make this game as real as possible, from the offense to the defense; it is just like playing in international competition," said Jones."Aside from actually being on the field, nothing I have seen compares to the true-to-life soccer experience found in `Worldwide Soccer.'"

True to all Sega Sports games, realism is key."Worldwide Soccer" features detailed polygon-based characters and motion-captured animation with all the moves true to actual players. In addition, you can customize your own game on the PC by using the stat-tracking feature with 25 categories to help select individual players, evaluate their moves and factor in suspensions and injuries to create the ultimate offensive and defensive team setup.

"Worldwide Soccer" will be available for $39.99 nationwide starting this week, and operates on a minimum specification of a90Mhz Pentium with memory of 16MB."Worldwide Soccer" lets players use a keyboard or any Windows 95 compatible peripheral.

September 2, 1997

3Dfx Interactive announced today that it has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Sega Enterprises Ltd., Sega of America and NEC Corporation. The complaint was filed after Sega breached its contract with 3Dfx Interactive to develop a customized 3D graphics chipset for the next generation Sega home game console. "Sega terminated our contract without justification," said Greg Ballard, president and CEO of 3Dfx Interactive. "We lived up to all of our commitments, yet they terminated the agreement. It's a clear breach of contract."

The 3Dfx complaint alleges that under the contract Sega gained access to 3Dfx's confidential technology and then canceled the contract in favor of NEC, a rival chipset manufacturer. The complaint also alleges claims against NEC for interfering with the contract between Sega and 3Dfx. The complaint states that there is a threat that 3Dfx's confidential design and technology will be used to develop the NEC chipset.

"We believe that Sega and NEC clearly acted improperly and we took the action we needed to respond," Ballard said. "We filed this suit to protect our rights and to protect our property."

News Archives