Tag Archives: Sega

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Atlus is the the highlight on Sega latest earning report

Sega Sammy Holdings recently released its latest earnings report, offering insights into the performance of its gaming division. Among the standout contributors to Sega’s success are Atlus and its latest RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Atlus has been a crucial part of Sega’s gaming strategy since its acquisition in 2013. Initially known for niche RPGs with limited global reach, Atlus has flourished under Sega’s umbrella, expanding its audience and increasing its sales potential. Sega Sammy has even described Atlus as one of its “most successful acquisition deals to date.”

Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus’s latest RPG, launched in October 2024 and quickly became a commercial success. Within its first day, the game sold one million units worldwide, including both physical shipments and digital downloads. This impressive start highlights the effectiveness of Sega’s publishing power and marketing strategies.

According to Sega Sammy Holdings’ latest financial reports, the company’s current earnings stand at $3.19 billion USD. In 2023, Sega reported earnings of $370 million USD, marking an increase over its 2022 earnings of $310 million USD. This growth underscores the impact of successful game launches like Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Sega’s ability to facilitate a simultaneous worldwide launch on multiple platforms played a significant role in Metaphor: ReFantazio’s success. Previously, Atlus had limited resources and often focused on specific regions, but Sega’s backing allowed for broader distribution and greater visibility.

Future Prospects for Atlus and Sega

With Metaphor: ReFantazio exceeding expectations, Sega is likely to continue investing in Atlus’s projects. The company has already been pushing Atlus toward a busier release schedule, as seen with recent Persona remasters and remakes. Given the strong performance of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Sega may encourage Atlus to develop more original IPs alongside its established franchises.

Sega’s latest earnings report underscores the growing importance of Atlus within its portfolio. With Metaphor: ReFantazio proving to be a hit, the future looks bright for both Sega and Atlus as they continue to expand their reach in the RPG market.

Games, Gaming, News

SEGA reminded us about what’s next for Virtua Fighter

Fighting game fans were in for a surprise at EVO Japan 2025, as SEGA officially announced the next installment in the Virtua Fighter series: Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. The reveal took place at Tokyo Big Sight, where SEGA hosted a dedicated booth featuring gameplay demonstrations, tournaments, and exclusive merchandise.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, making it the first proper Virtua Fighter game to arrive on a Nintendo platform in 32 years. The game will feature rollback netcode and crossplay support, ensuring a seamless online experience for players across different platforms.

The Legacy of Virtua Fighter

Virtua Fighter debuted in 1993, pioneering 3D fighting games with its realistic physics and deep combat mechanics. Developed by Yu Suzuki and his team at SEGA-AM2, the franchise set new standards for the genre, influencing titles like Tekken and Dead or Alive. Over the years, Virtua Fighter has maintained a dedicated fanbase, despite SEGA’s sporadic support for the series.

The last major entry, Virtua Fighter 5, was released in 2006, followed by updates such as Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown and the Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown remaster in 2021. However, fans have long awaited a true revival, and SEGA has finally answered their calls.

What to Expect from Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.

SEGA’s Seiji Aoki, the franchise’s director, expressed excitement about bringing Virtua Fighter back to the forefront of fighting games. He emphasized that Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is more than just a port—it will include new content, enhanced visuals, and refined mechanics.

Key features include:

  • Rollback Netcode: Ensuring smooth online matches.
  • Crossplay Support: Allowing players across different platforms to compete.
  • Expanded Content: SEGA has hinted at additional modes and characters, with more details to be revealed in future updates.

Virtua Fighter’s Return to Nintendo

One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is Virtua Fighter’s arrival on Nintendo Switch 2. Despite SEGA’s long history with Nintendo, Virtua Fighter has never had a proper presence on the platform. This move signals SEGA’s recognition of the growing fighting game community on Nintendo consoles, following the success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Dragon Ball FighterZ.

The Future of Virtua Fighter

With Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O., SEGA is reaffirming its commitment to the franchise. The game’s presence at EVO Japan 2025, alongside tournaments and community events, highlights SEGA’s dedication to revitalizing Virtua Fighter for both veteran players and newcomers.

As the fighting game community eagerly awaits more details, one thing is clear: Virtua Fighter is back, and it’s ready to reclaim its throne

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Sega Q3 2025 report doesn’t reveal Metaphor: ReFantazio initial performance of a full quarter

Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. recently released its Q3 2025 earnings report, revealing a mix of successes and challenges for the gaming giant. The report, released on February 7, 2025, showcased impressive sales figures for some of their flagship titles, while also highlighting areas that need improvement.

One of the standout performers in Sega’s portfolio was Sonic X Shadow Generations. This enhanced remaster of the beloved platformer Sonic Generations has surpassed 2 million copies sold worldwide since its launch in October 2024. The game received rave reviews for its new Shadow Generations campaign, which allowed players to delve deeper into the backstory of the enigmatic Shadow the Hedgehog.

The success of Sonic X Shadow Generations can be attributed to its nostalgic appeal and the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, such as Chaos Control and Chaos Snap, which set Shadow apart from Sonic. The game’s sales were further boosted by the release of the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie, which reached $460 million in worldwide box office revenue.

Metaphor: ReFantazio: A Strong Debut

Another notable mention in Sega’s earnings report was Metaphor: ReFantazio, a JRPG developed by Atlus. The game made a remarkable debut, selling 1 million copies on its first day of release. While Sega did not provide updated sales figures for Metaphor: ReFantazio in the report, the initial numbers indicate a strong start for the title.

Metaphor: ReFantazio has been praised for its engaging story, rich character development, and innovative combat system. The game’s success is a testament to Atlus’ ability to create compelling RPG experiences that resonate with fans.

Challenges and Cancellations

Despite the successes, Sega’s earnings report also highlighted some challenges. The company announced the cancellation of Football Manager 25, citing external discussions and careful consideration with Sega. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to focusing on its most promising projects and ensuring the highest quality for its fans.

As Sega moves forward, the company is optimistic about its future prospects. With strong sales from Sonic X Shadow Generations and the promising start of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Sega is well-positioned to continue its growth in the gaming industry. The company’s focus on innovative gameplay, engaging stories, and cross-media synergy will be key to its success in the coming years.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Football Manager 25 cancellation announced

In a surprising announcement, Sega and Sports Interactive have decided to cancel the highly anticipated Football Manager 25 (FM25). This marks the first time the long-running sports simulation series has skipped a year since its inception in 2004.

The decision comes after repeated delays and challenges faced during the development process. Initially billed as the biggest technical and visual advancement for the series in a generation, FM25 was set to bring significant improvements to the player experience and interface.

However, moving to the Unity game engine proved to be more challenging than anticipated, leading to multiple setbacks.

Sports Interactive had previously delayed the release of FM25 twice, with the latest postponement pushing the release date to March 2025. This delay would have meant releasing two entries in the series within the same calendar year, which was deemed unfeasible1. As a result, the decision was made to cancel FM25 and refocus efforts on the upcoming Football Manager 26 (FM26).

In a heartfelt statement, Sports Interactive apologized to fans for the disappointment and assured that anyone who had pre-ordered FM25 would receive automatic refunds. The developer emphasized that the cancellation was necessary to ensure that the next release meets the high standards expected by the community.

We know this will come as a huge disappointment, especially given that the release date has already moved twice, and you have been eagerly anticipating the first gameplay reveal. We can only apologise for the time it has taken to communicate this decision. Due to stakeholder compliance, including legal and financial regulations, today was the earliest date that we could issue this statement. 

We have always prided ourselves on delivering the best value for money games that bring you countless hours of enjoyment, that feel worth every moment and every penny you spend. With the launch of FM25 we set out to create the biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation, laying the building blocks for a new era. 

Due to a variety of challenges that we’ve been open about to date, and many more unforeseen, we currently haven’t achieved what we set out to do in enough areas of the game, despite the phenomenal efforts of our team. Each decision to delay the release was made with the aim of getting the game closer to the desired level but, as we approached critical milestones at the turn of the year, it became unmistakably clear that we would not achieve the standard required, even with the adjusted timeline. 

Whilst many areas of the game have hit our targets, the overarching player experience and interface is not where we need it to be. As extensive evaluation has demonstrated, including consumer playtesting, we have clear validation for the new direction of the game and are getting close – however, we’re too far away from the standards you deserve. 

We could have pressed on, released FM25 in its current state, and fixed things down the line – but that’s not the right thing to do. We were also unwilling to go beyond a March release as it would be too late in the football season to expect players to then buy another game later in the year.

Through the cancellation, every effort is now focused on ensuring that our next release achieves our goal and hits the quality level we all expect. We will update you on how we are progressing with that as soon as we are able to do so.  

Thank you for reading, your patience and your continued support. Our full focus now returns to creating a new era for Football Manager.

Sports Interactive

Despite the setback, Sports Interactive remains committed to delivering a quality product with FM26, which is expected to release in the usual November slot. The developer is currently in discussions with platform holders and licensors to extend FM24 agreements on subscription services such as Game Pass.

While the cancellation of FM25 is undoubtedly a disappointment for fans eagerly awaiting the game, it highlights the dedication of Sports Interactive to maintaining the quality and integrity of the Football Manager series. The focus now shifts to creating a new era for the beloved franchise, with FM26 promising to be a significant leap forward.

Business, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Sega is looking to its future but not everything you expect will end to be

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sega’s CEO, Shuji Utsumi, emphasized that the company is not a retro company and wants to focus on modern gaming experiences. While Sega values its legacy, they believe that continuing to produce mini consoles would not align with their goal of staying relevant and innovative.

In other words, Sega has announced that they are not planning to release any more mini consoles. This includes consoles like the Sega Saturn or Dreamcast, which many fans were hoping to see as mini versions.

A few years ago, Sega admitted that there were researching on how to make both a Sega Saturn and Dreamcast mini with the scale of a minimized hardware, but as powerful or more than their predecessors, but as evident, this will remain in just like that a research concept.

Instead of focusing on retro hardware, Sega is considering launching a Netflix-like subscription service. This service would provide access to both retro and modern Sega titles, allowing players to enjoy a wide range of games in one place. This move is part of Sega’s strategy to attract today’s gamers and create new experiences that still capture the essence of their classic games.

Despite the shift away from mini consoles, Sega has been active in releasing new games and content. They have announced new entries in popular series like Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and Crazy Taxi. Additionally, Sega is working on a new Virtua Fighter game and has seen success with recent titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble.

Yes, Sega’s decision to move away from mini consoles is a disappointment for us fans of retro gaming, mainly their massive gaming catalog, but it reflects their commitment to innovation and staying relevant in the fast-changing gaming world. By focusing on new projects and exploring a subscription service, Sega aims to continue its legacy while appealing to modern gamers.

Games, Gaming, News

Sega Confirms New Virtua Fighter Game in Development

Fighting game enthusiasts, rejoice! Sega has officially announced that a new Virtua Fighter game is in development. This exciting news was revealed during The Game Awards 2024, sending waves of excitement through the gaming community.

During The Game Awards 2024, Sega unveiled a teaser trailer for the new Virtua Fighter game. The trailer showcased a thrilling street fight between two iconic characters, Jacky and Sarah Bryant.

While the teaser was brief, it provided a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. Sega also announced that more details would be revealed during a special VF Direct showcase.

The new Virtua Fighter game is being developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the talented team behind the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series. This collaboration promises to bring a fresh perspective and innovative gameplay mechanics to the beloved franchise. Fans can expect a blend of classic Virtua Fighter elements with new features that will elevate the series to new heights.

Virtua Fighter has a storied history as one of the pioneers of 3D fighting games. Since its debut in 1993, the series has been known for its realistic fighting mechanics, diverse roster of characters, and vibrant backdrops. Over the years, Virtua Fighter has remained a core franchise for Sega, with numerous updates and iterations keeping the series alive.

While specific details about the new Virtua Fighter game are still under wraps, fans can look forward to more information being revealed during the VF Direct showcase. This event will provide a deeper dive into the game’s features, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Stay tuned for more updates as Sega continues to revive this legendary franchise.

The announcement of a new Virtua Fighter game has reignited excitement among fighting game fans. With Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the helm, the future of Virtua Fighter looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this upcoming game promises to deliver an unforgettable fighting experience.

Games, Gaming, News, PC

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.: The Ultimate Remaster Hits Steam This Winter

Sega has announced an exciting remaster of the classic fighting game, Virtua Fighter 5, now titled Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.! This remaster is set to launch on Steam this winter, bringing the legendary fighting series to PC for the first time.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is based on the PlayStation 4 version, Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, and includes several enhancements. Players can expect rollback netcode support, gorgeous 4K visuals, and updated character models, stages, and cinematics. The game will support up to 60 frames per second, providing a smooth and visually stunning experience.

The remaster will feature all the beloved game modes, including Arcade, Rank Match, Training, and Versus. Additionally, players can create custom online tournaments and leagues with up to 16 players, making it perfect for competitive play. With 19 playable characters, each with unique fighting styles, there’s plenty of variety and customization options to keep the battles fresh and exciting.