SEGA set to open an official store in Shibuya for next summer

SEGA’s Head of Global Transmedia Group, Justin Scarpone, spoken with VGC at Gamescom Asia that the company plans follow steps from Nintendo, Capcom, and Square Enix to open its own official store in Shibuya’s Parco department complex with another store opening in Shanghai, China. The decision to launch a physical SEGA outlet was motivated by the desire to put the SEGA brand in front of more consumers in order to strengthen it and to look after fans with the already surprising amount of fandom as a brand by offering new experiences to them.

With the success of the Sonic movies and licensee deals such as Lego, SEGA’s transmedia business received a strong growth in revenue as the company now generates nearly $1 billion in annual retail sales of toys, clothing, and merchandise alone. He also noted that partnerships such as Paramount, Netflix, and even Roblox, helped the company reach a broader audience.

Scarpone’s ultimate goal is to replicate that success with other IPs such as Persona, Like a Dragon, and other SEGA IP in other territories. SEGA had a great history of having numerous stores in Japan such as the SEGA Specialty Stores until it gaming landscape changed and online shopping became more prevalent in the early 2000s. Seeing this plan come to fruition would be a dream come true for SEGA fans to visit. Will you visit the SEGA Store in Shibuya and Shanghai? What SEGA merchandise would you like to see in the official store? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: VGC

SEGA Releases Final Episode of “SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings”

Today, Sonic Team released the third and final episode of the SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings prologue animation, following Shadow the Hedgehog as he dives into his tragic past to confront the origins of his haunting nightmares of conflict and loss.

In Episode 3, Shadow leads Rouge and Omega into the heart of a G.U.N. military facility in his search for answers. The military organization that did so much harm to him in the past is now the only thing between him and his goal: the Space Colony ARK!

What did you all think of the final episode of SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings? Let us know in the comments below!

Universal Pictures To Adapt Shinobi On The Big Screen

According to Variety, Universal Pictures will be producing a film adaptation of SEGA’s Shinobi  and the studio has enlisted “Extraction” filmmaker Sam Hargrave and producer Marc Platt to adapt the ninja action-packed franchise for the big screen.

Ken Kobayashi, known for his work on “Sunny” and “Move On”, will be writing the screenplay for “Shinobi.” Platt and Adam Siegel will produce through Marc Platt Productions. Dmitri M. Johnson will produce through Story Kitchen. Toru Nakahara will produce through Sega.

Mike Goldberg will executive produce alongside co-producer Timothy I. Stevenson. Universal’s senior VP of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio.

SEGA has been on a roll with film and tv adaptations as of late along with the recent announcement of returning IPs currently in development. This is a great way to introduce their retro titles to a newer audience.

What are your thoughts on Shinobi and other SEGA IPs getting media adaptations? Let us know in the comments below!

Alien: Isolation Sequel Officially in the Works as Game Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Today marks a milestone for Creative Assembly as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alien: Isolation. Known primarily for their Total War series, Creative Assembly took a bold step into the survival horror genre with Alien: Isolation, aiming to deliver an authentic experience that captured the essence of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 Alien film. The result was a game praised for its tense atmosphere, masterful sound design, and innovative AI mechanics.

Alien: Isolation became a commercial success, standing out in a crowded market by staying true to the slow, suspenseful horror of the original movie. Rather than focusing on action, the game prioritized survival, which set it apart from many other titles in the Alien franchise. Fans were also able to connect with Amanda Ripley, the protagonist and daughter of Ellen Ripley, whose story added emotional depth and further expanded the Alien franchise lore.

Now, in celebration of the game’s 10th anniversary, Creative Assembly’s Creative Director has officially confirmed that a sequel is in development. Fans of the original can expect more of the same nerve-wracking tension and survival gameplay that made Alien: Isolation a great experience for many players around the world.

Have you played Alien: Isolation, and are you excited about the sequel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

SEGA Releases First Episode of “SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings” Animation

Today, Sonic Team released the first episode of the new SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings prologue animation, following Shadow the Hedgehog as he dives into his tragic past to confront the origins of his haunting nightmares of conflict and loss. The first episode centers around Shadow’s memories with his childhood friend, Maria.

The release schedule for the remaining SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings episodes will be released on the following days:

  • October 3, 2024 – “Episode 2: Finding the Way”
  • October 10, 2024 – “Episode 3: To the Ark”

What did you all think of the first episode of SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Dark Beginnings? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

SEGA Reveals SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack Included in Digital Deluxe Edition

Today, as part of PlayStation’s State of Play broadcast, SEGA revealed the SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Pack which will be included in the game’s Digital Deluxe edition.

On December 12, all SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS Digital Deluxe owners can take on a new look as Shadow and play through a unique level inspired by the new movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, featuring the voice of Keanu Reeves! Read how Sonic Team were able to bring the big screen version of Shadow to the newest Sonic game on the PlayStation Blog here.

SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS is set to release both digitally and physically on October 25, 2024, starting at $49.99 USD on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems, and PC. Fans can pre-order today and receive a legacy skin for Modern Sonic based on his look from Sonic Adventure!

Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition can play the game three days early and receive additional content. Also, players who pre-order the Physical Day One Edition will also receive Gerald Robotnik’s 28-page journal, chronicling his experience creating Shadow and the Ark Space Station.

SEGA Reveals Latest Slate of Sonic the Hedgehog News at 4th Annual Sonic Central

Earlier today, SEGA has revealed a slew of Sonic the Hedgehog announcements for upcoming titles including SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS™, Sonic Rumble™, Sonic Dream Team™, as well as details on upcoming partnerships and more.

Several highlights of Sonic Central 2024 included:

  • SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – A new story trailer was unveiled that featured a new look at the story of Shadow’s standalone campaign, along with a teaser trailer for the upcoming Sonic X Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings animation and a look at Gerald Robotnik’s Journal.
  • Sonic Rumble – Get ready for the all-new mobile Sonic party game, Sonic Rumble, coming this winter to both mobile and PC! Play with up to 32 friends and face new challenges, race through the various stages, and collect rings to win and unlock a huge selection of cosmetic collectibles.
  • Sonic Dream Team – A new playable character, Shadow the Hedgehog, will be arriving in the mobile game later this year!
  • Chao Tales – Sonic Team announced a new animated web-series, Chao Tales, which will include eight-episodes of whimsical shorts featuring the adorable fan-favorite chao.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog, DC and Warner Bros – Kicking off in 2025, the DC x Sonic collaboration launches with an all-new, five-issue comic series published by DC Comics. Merchandise developed by SEGA and WBDGCP, spanning numerous categories including apparel, toys, and more, will follow in late 2025.
  • Partnerships – SEGA revealed a variety of partners they will be collaborating with this year, to create a wide range of all-new, Sonic-themed products and experiences, including LEGO, Topgolf, JAKKS Pacific, PDP, First 4 Figures, HJC Helmets, Louis de Guzman and Bushiroad Creative.

But that’s not all! Please find the official press release below for additional announcements from Sonic Central by clicking the jump.

SEGA and RGG Studio announces Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii; Available Now for Pre-Order!

During the recent RGG Summit stream, SEGA and RGG Studio dropped an electrifying announcement that has fans buzzing: Goro Majima, the beloved and eccentric character from the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, is getting his very own spin-off game titled Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This thrilling new chapter will see Majima, the notorious ex-yakuza, shipwrecked on a remote Pacific Island, where he embarks on a quest to recover his lost memories alongside a young boy named Noah, who saved his life. As they navigate their way through a vibrant and dangerous world, Majima and Noah become embroiled in a fierce conflict involving ruthless criminals, modern-day pirates, and other colorful scoundrels vying for a legendary treasure.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Standard Edition: PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

Collector’s Edition: PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X

SEGA News Bits Live: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Toy Guide

The third Sonic movie is on the horizon, and with it is merch! Toys, plush, playsets and more are releasing right now – and on this video, Barry breaks down what is releasing, where to find it all, and what to pass on.

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HJC Helmets Unveils New Shadow the Hedgehog Helmets

Today, SEGA has announced its partnership with HJC Helmets for the release of a brand-new Shadow the Hedgehog themed helmet, following the release of the Sonic the Hedgehog helmet. Fans can now bring their favorite brooding hedgehog along with them on their own Dark Rider adventures this October 2024.

The RPHA 12 helmet features Shadow the Hedgehog’s distinctive mischievous smile, including his trademark red eyes, complemented by a striking black and red color scheme that captures his fearless and intense personality.

The transition from the RPHA 11 to the RPHA 12 showcases HJC’s commitment to continuous improvement. The RPHA 12 is designed for both racetrack and street use, making it a choice for riders looking for exceptional performance in various riding conditions.

The new RPHA 12 helmet is lightweight, which will play a role in the all-new aerodynamics of the helmet. The new aerodynamics will help with less wind resistance and head movement, allowing riders to experience less drag. Additionally, the new vents keep the rider cool and help prevent fogging.

SEGA Releases New Content Update for Sonic Dream Team

Today, SEGA announced the latest jam-packed content update for Sonic Dream Team – the latest 3D Sonic the Hedgehog action-platformer, playable exclusively on Apple Arcade. This update brings some overhauls to the popular Tails Challenges, as well as newly added Powers including Stomp, Super Glide, and more!

Here is what the update has to offer:

Powers Have Arrived!

Unlock and equip Powers to grant Sonic and team powerful new abilities including Stomp, Super Glide, Wall Boost, and more. These are unlocked via Tails’ Challenges and let you customize your loadout to suit your playstyle. There are 16 Powers to unlock and experiment with!

Daily Rewards and More

Tails’ Challenges now refresh daily and deliver more rewards! Players can also earn rankings on every Challenge mission, with the coveted S-Rank awarding bonus XP for faster unlocking of rewards and Powers.

Score Attack Levels Now Available

In Tails’ Challenges, players can dive into new Score attack levels. Smash through targets, destroy enemies and obstacles, and chain together moves for combo streaks. Post high scores to the leaderboards and see who gets to the top!

Rock Out to More Sonic Tunes!

Fan favorite music tracks from other Sonic games can now be unlocked through Tails’ Challenges, and players can now groove to any of their unlocked songs during gameplay!

Sonic Dream Team is available now exclusively on Apple Arcade and is playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

SEGA Releases New ‘Fearless’ Takashi Iizuka Interview All About Shadow

Today, SEGA released a new, exclusive interview with Sonic Team Creative Officer Takashi Iizuka, who sat down to answer questions from fans in the Sonic community about Shadow the Hedgehog and the Fearless: Year of Shadow campaign.

Sonic Team’s Fearless: Year of Shadow campaign spotlights Shadow, who is set to star in the upcoming video game, SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, which is set to be released on October 25, as well as the highly anticipated movie, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, heading to theaters on December 20 this year. The campaign celebrates what it means to be Fearless and embracing your inner Shadow by bravely facing challenges head on.

Celebrate the SEGA Dreamcast 25th Anniversary with the Dreamcast Anniversary Collection from Limited Run Games

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the SEGA Dreamcast. To celebrate the console release, SEGA has teamed up with Limited Run Games once again to provide new merchandise such as trading cards, apparel, and many other items.

This Dreamcast Collection will feature 200 premium trading cards featuring art from the system’s most iconic games and franchises along with hoodies, t-shirts, pins, keychains and a Dreamcast coin.

In addition to the trading cards, every month starting in October, new trading card merchandise will be available for pre-order focusing on games from the Limited Run Dreamcast Trading Card set which includes:

  • Skies of Arcadia 
  • Shenmue 
  • Shenmue II
  • Phantasy Star Online
  • Sonic Adventure
  • Sonic Adventure 2
  • Crazy Taxi
  • ChuChu Rocket!
  • Jet Set Radio
  • Space Channel 5
  • Virtua Fighter 3tb
  • Samba de Amigo
  • House of the Dead 2
  • Zombie Revenge
  • Dynamite Cop!

Pre-orders are available now here until October 13th.

SEGA News Bits Live: Sonic Movie 3 Trailer Breakdown and Analysis

SEGA News Bits Live is back! When big news drops, we have to jump on and talk about it. This week, the first trailer for the Sonic 3 movie dropped, and Barry breaks down and analyzes the trailer.

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If you enjoy our SEGA News Bits segments and want to support us: Give us a sub and give this video a thumbs up so it shows up on more like-minded fans YouTube recommendations. You know, how that YouTube algorithm is.

Shadow Creator Disavows Vegeta Comparison, Not Friends with Sonic

The comparisons between Sonic the Hedgehog and Dragon Ball aren’t new; the two series share a lot of similar aspects in terms of tropes between their characters and power-ups. At this year’s Gamescom 2024, Catherine Lewis from GameRadar asked Shadow the Hedgehog creator Iizuka if he thinks the character has been interpreted differently over the past decade than he originally conceived him. His answer didn’t surprise anyone: ‘Yes.’

“So yes, there are some ways that people interpret Shadow that are not how the team is intending,” Iizuka begins (via translator). “I think the biggest one, if you look online, everyone’s like, ‘Oh, this is Dragon Ball Vegeta.” states that Shadow is “not Vegeta in any way. Vegeta really starts out as an enemy and then later becomes a friend and an ally and kind of, like, fights for justice and trying to save the world and whatnot. Shadow is not like that. I never want him to be like that. Shadow is doing his own thing, he’s not friends with Sonic, and he’s gonna go off and, you know, do whatever he feels is correct or right, or what he needs to do. And it’s not like, ‘Well, okay, we used to be enemies, but we’re friends now. Let’s save the world.’ He’s not that kind of character, and [I don’t] want him to be that kind of character. 

“So when people are always online saying, ‘Oh, it’s Vegeta, it’s Vegeta,’ it’s like, it’s not Vegeta,” he laughs.

It’s quite interesting that he seems to be suggesting that he doesn’t agree with this sort of characterization that has been given to Shadow the Hedgehog by fans. While Shadow the Hedgehog isn’t really friends with Sonic the Hedgehog, they do save the world together when their goals align and would say they have a more ‘rival’ type of relationship, which I think Iizuka shouldn’t be afraid of promoting. I think it gives Sonic and Shadow an interesting dynamic.