Sega isn’t Messing Around! Sega's Resurgence: A New Era Unveiled at The Game Awards

The recent edition of The Game Awards had the gaming community buzzing excitedly, and the spotlight was on Sega. In the lead-up to the event, Sega had tantalized fans and industry insiders alike with a mysterious postcard heralding the advent of a new era for the iconic gaming company.

Speculations ran wild, with many anticipating the return of Virtua Fighter, given the earlier hints of the franchise resurfacing in arcades. As The Game Awards unfolded, the unmistakable Sega scream resonated, and what followed was a cascade of surprises. Not one, not two, but five-game announcements, each from a Sega series that had long been dormant. The trailers unveiled the resurrection of classics such as "Crazy Taxi," "Golden Axe," "Jet Set Radio," "Shinobi," and "Streets of Rage."

Shuji Utsumi, Sega's co-chief operating officer and CEO of Sega of America, expressed that this strategic move now bears fruit. Utsumi, a key figure in launching Sony's first PlayStation and Sega's last console, the Dreamcast, emphasized the desire to showcase edginess and a rebellious mindset, reminiscent of Sega's historical identity as the "alternative" game console.

According to Utsumi, the time is ripe for these legacy series to find a second life. The gaming industry now boasts a global market large enough to sustain Sega's more unconventional concepts. Based on his experience as the co-founder of Q Entertainment, Utsumi highlighted the significance of a market that can appreciate diverse and avant-garde gaming concepts.

"The concept of games like 'Jet Set Radio' is advanced. The original creators are involved again, and its time is now," he asserted. "It's a good time when people can appreciate all kinds of concepts."

Despite Sega's recent success with franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog, Yakuza (rebranded as Like a Dragon), and Persona, which have become pillars supporting the company, Utsumi revealed that Sega has plans to revive even more legacy properties. Virtua Fighter, a pioneering 3D fighter series, has been dormant for some time, leaving fans wondering about its fate. Utsumi acknowledged the game's niche status and teased ongoing evaluation, expressing a desire to make it more dramatic without compromising its realistic essence.

As Sega enthusiasts eagerly await the company's next moves, questions arise: Will Vectorman, Ecco, or even the Sega Channel make a triumphant return? The excitement surrounding Sega's resurgence is palpable, and fans can hardly contain their anticipation for what the company has in store for the gaming community. As Sega revives its iconic franchises, the gaming landscape is set for a nostalgic and thrilling transformation.