Amusements For All !!! - JOYPOLIS, SEGA Amusement, Arcade Centers, etc Thread

[Berto]

SONIC WEEKLY: Joypolis & Japan w/ BARRY



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIh5HxWHqUM

Barry is back with the Sonic Weekly crew to share about his trip to Japan and Joypolis specifically. Also, Star Wars… the other main reason Barry was in Japan was for Star Wars, so we talk about that too. Plus, reviews of Chao Tales and news from Rings of Saturn!

Article: https://segabits.com/blog/2025/05/12/sonic-weekly-joypolis-japan-w-barry/

[Berto]

His professional career was somewhat unearthy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFUvy8YnqE

That kinda explains why he could turned into cartoon characters, robot, car, space rocket, ghost, zombie, and animals.

[Berto]

SEGA plans new announcements at Last vegas Licensing Expo

SEGA has a boatload of beloved and invigorating IPs and it plans to make some special announcements regarding these at the Las Vega Licensing Expo during its SEGA showcase.
We know the company has a new Crazy Taxi game, Jet Set Radio and Shinobi games in the works, so it will be interesting to see what else they have been ...

Article: https://mynintendonews.com/2025/05/08/sega-plans-new-announcements-at-licensing-expo-and-sega-showcase/

[Berto]

Astro City Miniature Light Plus ~SEGA Arcade Game History~ Gashapon Out Now!

Sega titles from the 1990s miniaturized along with their arcade cabinets 🌟
Of the 10 types, 3 are luxurious versions with sound ✨

Price (tax included) :
500 yen

Display them side by side to bring back the arcade atmosphere of those days!

Link : https://gashapon.jp/products/detail.php?jan_code=4582769701719000

[Mystic Monkey]

GAN’s merger with Sega Sammy on track for Q2 2025



Article: https://www.intergameonline.com/casino/news/gans-merger-with-sega-sammy-on-track-for-q2

Sega Sammy gobbling up another one?

That kinda explains why he could turned into cartoon characters, robot, car, space rocket, ghost, zombie, and animals.

Exactly! He knew the write artists and animators for his kind of style and brand that made him stand out more. Moonwalker was so memorable, as well as plenty of other music videos he made.

He could've chosen Nintendo or Sony to represent him, but not only did he chose Sega, but he loved them as a brand and style!

[Berto]

Sega Sammy gobbling up another one?

Business as usual, before they also acquire Rovio Entertainment for about $1 billion, right?
One of the result is Sonic Rumble that will be released globally soon.



But unfortunately this whole thing with GAN has nothing to do with video games.
It's more slot machines related.

Exactly! He knew the write artists and animators for his kind of style and brand that made him stand out more. Moonwalker was so memorable, as well as plenty of other music videos he made.

He could've chosen Nintendo or Sony to represent him, but not only did he chose Sega, but he loved them as a brand and style!

We all know the reason. It's because he's BAAAAAD!



Unfortunately after he passed away, Michael-related games were kinda downgraded.
From superhero in Moonwalker, space diva in Space Channel 5, and super boxer in Ready 2 Rumble, he then became what?
A mere dancer in The Experience game series.



The new developers really lack of imagination.

[Mystic Monkey]

Business as usual, before they also acquire Rovio Entertainment for about $1 billion, right?
One of the result is Sonic Rumble that will be released globally soon.



But unfortunately this whole thing with GAN has nothing to do with video games.
It's more slot machines related.

I kind of wish I stayed ignorant over the fact Sammy brought out original sega just to save face from their reputation with gambling and gatcha machines in a country where gambling is illegal.

We all know the reason. It's because he's BAAAAAD!



Unfortunately after he passed away, Michael-related games were kinda downgraded.
From superhero in Moonwalker, space diva in Space Channel 5, and super boxer in Ready 2 Rumble, he then became what?
A mere dancer in The Experience game series.



The new developers really lack of imagination.

I believe the downgrades were because Micheal Jackson was more compassionate and easy-going when it came to his likeness used in various media. Now that he's dead, his likeness is now a trademarked property of his estate.

[Berto]

I kind of wish I stayed ignorant over the fact Sammy brought out original sega just to save face from their reputation with gambling and gatcha machines in a country where gambling is illegal.

At least Sammy let SEGA do what they did best : making video games.
Not changing them into something they're not.

I believe the downgrades were because Micheal Jackson was more compassionate and easy-going when it came to his likeness used in various media. Now that he's dead, his likeness is now a trademarked property of his estate.

Yeah, no quality control on anything his estate releases.
As long as his family dowsn't against it, they release just about anything, even if it's just mediocre (something that Michael always avoid).

[Mystic Monkey]

At least Sammy let SEGA do what they did best : making video games.
Not changing them into something they're not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_AMVOuS4d8

Yeah, no quality control on anything his estate releases.
As long as his family dowsn't against it, they release just about anything, even if it's just mediocre (something that Michael always avoid).

So why isn't Sega allowed to keep his music in Sonic games?

[Berto]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_AMVOuS4d8
 

It's part of history but this is so outdated.
SEGA is bigger right now than back then.
SEGA market cap is right now $4.25 Billion USD and has produced many games on every system available, reaching more people than they ever were.

Just because 'some fans beloved franchises' aren't revived like they wanted doesn't mean that SEGA is dead.
Their loyalty to SEGA is the one that's dead.
They are thinking that SEGA's secret of succes is by repeating the past. No. The world has changed and SEGA adapted to it better than Atari, Acclaim, or Data East.

So why isn't Sega allowed to keep his music in Sonic games?

They are allowed to keep them by Michael (he wasn't even wanted to be credited since he didn't like how it sounded in Genesis, back then he was more interested in SEGA CD music program), but those words from Michael were never documented.
So since it's not documented, legally it's kinda weak in the presence of the law.
The legal team took the easy way asking the team to remove them in order to avoid any future legal issues from Michael's estate.
Such a coward move if I may say.

[Berto]

SEGA Talk #163: Tokyo Joypolis Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SQJLojwihw

On this SEGA Talk, Barry takes a visit to Tokyo Joypolis and shares his full day of fun playing games, eating food and getting yelled at by staff! Is SEGA’s last standing theme park a Joy? Watch and find out on SEGA Talk!

Article: https://segabits.com/blog/2025/05/20/sega-talk-163-tokyo-joypolis-review-2025/

[Mystic Monkey]

It's part of history but this is so outdated.
SEGA is bigger right now than back then.
SEGA market cap is right now $4.25 Billion USD and has produced many games on every system available, reaching more people than they ever were.

Just because 'some fans beloved franchises' aren't revived like they wanted doesn't mean that SEGA is dead.
Their loyalty to SEGA is the one that's dead.
They are thinking that SEGA's secret of succes is by repeating the past. No. The world has changed and SEGA adapted to it better than Atari, Acclaim, or Data East.

But the classic IP was still what established Sega's identity and made them popular, there are still fans wishing for the old games. Or else, why bother with the Power Surge?

They are allowed to keep them by Michael (he wasn't even wanted to be credited since he didn't like how it sounded in Genesis, back then he was more interested in SEGA CD music program), but those words from Michael were never documented.
So since it's not documented, legally it's kinda weak in the presence of the law.
The legal team took the easy way asking the team to remove them in order to avoid any future legal issues from Michael's estate.
Such a coward move if I may say.

It is, but the legal team may had been right. Micheal Jacksons verbal agreement was not on record for it to be held up in court and Micheal's estate is run by people on behalf of Micheal Jackson. And given Micheal Jackson can no longer speak for himself on the matter, the estate legal team can simply take standard legal action if they deem fit. With the immense wealth and popularity Micheal left behind, do you think the legal team would be so lenient?

SEGA Talk #163: Tokyo Joypolis Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SQJLojwihw



Article: https://segabits.com/blog/2025/05/20/sega-talk-163-tokyo-joypolis-review-2025/

I wish UK had a Sega Joypolis.

[Berto]

But the classic IP was still what established Sega's identity and made them popular, there are still fans wishing for the old games. Or else, why bother with the Power Surge?

If it doesn't attract new fans & new franchisee and only counting on old fans, it wouldn't make a desirable profit.
Sonic was their main focus because it kept bringing new fans and new partners who want to use Sonic brand..
Most of money came not from the games but from third parties who worked with SEGA to produce Sonic merchs, shirts, events, books, and movies.

That's why the classic IP was adapted into the new trends.
The new Virtua Fighter will have a Yakuza story-like mode and Jet Set Radio & Crazy Taxi will have live service model (or F2P, still rumoured tough).
It was aimed to bring new fans too.

It is, but the legal team may had been right. Micheal Jacksons verbal agreement was not on record for it to be held up in court and Micheal's estate is run by people on behalf of Micheal Jackson. And given Micheal Jackson can no longer speak for himself on the matter, the estate legal team can simply take standard legal action if they deem fit. With the immense wealth and popularity Micheal left behind, do you think the legal team would be so lenient?

I was gonna say but why the estate didn't take action when SEGA released this...





but then I remembered that those two games were developed while Michael is still alive.

I wish UK had a Sega Joypolis.

At least UK had a SEGA office.

Inside SEGA’s Brand New London Office ✨

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlWvBSmyQAI

We’ve moved! SEGA Europe has officially relocated to a brand new HQ in Chiswick Business Park, and we’re giving you a first look inside. From game-themed meeting rooms to Sonic statues, chill zones, and creative workspaces, our new home is built for the future of play.

Source: https://x.com/SEGA/status/1925975158214291837

[Mystic Monkey]

If it doesn't attract new fans & new franchisee and only counting on old fans, it wouldn't make a desirable profit.
Sonic was their main focus because it kept bringing new fans and new partners who want to use Sonic brand..
Most of money came not from the games but from third parties who worked with SEGA to produce Sonic merchs, shirts, events, books, and movies.

That's why the classic IP was adapted into the new trends.
The new Virtua Fighter will have a Yakuza story-like mode and Jet Set Radio & Crazy Taxi will have live service model (or F2P, still rumoured tough).
It was aimed to bring new fans too.

I see, so in a way the Sega Renaissance was just them testing the waters through third-party developers without the repercussions.

I was gonna say but why the estate didn't take action when SEGA released this...





but then I remembered that those two games were developed while Michael is still alive.

Micheal was a unique, friendly and compassionate individual. Whenever he had business sense, I do not know, but I presume he was business-savy.

But he's dead now. And all his money, legal affairs, property and licensing are with the Micheal Estate which I imagine is run by fuddy-duddies in suits and ties.

Micheal is no longer here to give Sega handouts. Business is business with the estate now.

At least UK had a SEGA office.

Inside SEGA’s Brand New London Office ✨

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlWvBSmyQAI









Source: https://x.com/SEGA/status/1925975158214291837

I was afraid that after Brexit and UK no longer regarded part of Europe, Sega of Europe would've had to relocate to France, Germany or Brussels.

Though not like Sega of Europe let tourists waltz in for it to matter for me. Not like I'll ever get to visit it.