SEGA’s New Focus: Why Sonic, Yakuza, and Atlus Are Top Priorities

SEGA-Sammy’s latest fanicial report made one thing clear: The company will be focusing on what they consider its holy trinity which is Atlus JRPGs, Yakuza aka Like a Dragon titles and of course Sonic the Hedgehog brand. The wild thing is, SEGA is actually more focused on Japanese title more than ever because a decade a go Like a Dragon wasn’t considered a big pillar for SEGA; but seems to have released the Total War franchise on SEGA’s top three list. SEGA Europe’s issues are definitely something to talk about in its own post.

Let’s look at what this new focus could mean:

ATLUS: The JRPG Juggernaut:

Sega has explicitly identified ATLUS as a crucial player in their global expansion strategy. This isn’t just lip service. They’re recognizing the massive potential of ATLUS’s unique brand of JRPGs, like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Expect increased investment in ATLUS titles, a push for broader accessibility, and potentially more frequent releases. Sega sees ATLUS as a key driver of their international growth.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios: The Rising Dragon:

The Like a Dragon franchise is experiencing a surge in popularity, and Sega is taking notice. The company’s acknowledgement of staffing shortages at the Like a Dragon studio isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a declaration of intent.
They’re actively seeking to bolster the team, signaling a commitment to expanding the Like a Dragon universe. This means more compelling stories, immersive gameplay, and a continued evolution of the series.

Sonic: The Speed Demon’s Reign:

Sonic’s resurgence is undeniable. From successful games like “SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS” to the blockbuster movie franchise, Sonic is a force to be reckoned with.
SEGA is leveraging Sonic’s broad appeal across multiple platforms, driving revenue through games, movies, and licensing. Expect continued innovation and expansion of the Sonic brand.

Strategic Resource Allocation:

SEGA’s focus on these three franchises isn’t just about popularity; it’s about strategic resource allocation. They’re prioritizing studios and projects that deliver the highest returns and have the greatest potential for growth.
SEGA is also focused on improving the quality of their titles, by improving their internal and external evaluation processes. This will directly improve the quality of Atlus, Yakuza, and Sonic titles.

The current gaming landscape presents some unique challenges for both developers and consumers. While I’m personally excited for the potential of Sega’s promised revivals, like a glimpse of ‘Shinobi: The Art of Vengeance,’ it’s understandable that they’re being cautious with new, ambitious projects. After all, the remarkable success of titles like Persona and Like a Dragon underscores the power of Sega’s strategic push to bring uniquely Japanese experiences to a global audience.