Sega’s modern strategy moves away from nostalgia, as the company emphasizes innovation and new gaming experiences.

In a recent Guardian interview, Sega’s CEO for America and Europe, Shuji Utsumi, clarified the company’s stance on mini consoles. Fans hoping for a Saturn or Dreamcast Mini may be disappointed.

“Mini consoles are not the direction I’m pursuing,” Utsumi stated. “I’m focusing on engaging modern gamers.”

He elaborated: “We are not a retro company. While we deeply respect and cherish our legacy, we want to push boundaries and offer something fresh. Otherwise, we risk becoming a relic of the past, and that’s not our ambition.”

Since October 2022, when the Genesis Mini 2 launched, Sega has been quiet on mini console projects. The Genesis Mini 2 was the company’s fifth small-scale system, following the first Genesis Mini, two Astro City Mini arcade systems, and a series of compact Game Gear Micro handhelds, each with a set of four built-in games.

Instead of focusing on nostalgia, Sega is looking ahead. Last December, it unveiled plans to revive fan-favorite franchises like Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and Crazy Taxi. This month, the announcement of a new Virtua Fighter title further highlighted Sega’s commitment to innovation.

“We have iconic franchises like Sonic, Persona, and Yakuza, but we also have other properties that represent Sega’s unique style and identity,” Utsumi said. “If we approach this correctly, gamers will embrace it. The challenge is meeting expectations, but if we succeed, Sega will reclaim its identity as an industry leader.”

For now, Sega continues expanding Fallout 76 and collaborating on the second season of Amazon’s Fallout series. The company’s focus on innovation over nostalgia signals a bold new chapter for the iconic gaming brand.

Source: VideoGameChronicles