Sega, once a household name in the gaming industry, has come a long way since its inception in 1960. Known for its iconic consoles and beloved games, Sega has a rich history in the world of gaming. But what games does Sega currently own? In this article, we will explore the vast portfolio of games that Sega has acquired over the years, from classic arcade titles to modern day hits. So, get ready to take a trip down memory lane and discover the exciting world of Sega’s gaming library.
Sega currently owns a variety of game franchises and properties, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager, and Yakuza. Additionally, Sega has also published games for other companies, such as Nintendo’s Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games series.
H2: Overview of Sega’s game portfolio
H3: Sonic the Hedgehog series
The Sonic the Hedgehog series is one of the most iconic and beloved game franchises owned by Sega. The series was first introduced in 1991 and has since spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various platforms.
Sonic the Hedgehog
The original Sonic the Hedgehog game was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis console. It follows the adventures of a blue hedgehog named Sonic, who uses his incredible speed and agility to run, jump, and spin through various levels, collecting rings and defeating enemies along the way. The game’s innovative gameplay, catchy music, and colorful graphics helped establish Sonic as a beloved character and a flagship franchise for Sega.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Released in 1992, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 built on the success of its predecessor, introducing new gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and additional levels. The game also introduced new characters, such as Miles “Tails” Prower, who became a recurring character in the series. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was critically acclaimed and further solidified Sonic’s popularity.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3, released in 1994, continued the series’ momentum with improved graphics, smoother animations, and new gameplay features. The game also introduced Knuckles the Echidna, a new playable character with unique abilities. However, the game’s development was plagued by disputes between Sega and the game’s original developer, leading to a partial split of the game’s content between Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles, released later that year.
Sonic Adventure
In 1998, Sega released Sonic Adventure for the Sega Dreamcast, which marked a significant departure from the classic Sonic gameplay. The game featured a more open-world environment, allowing players to explore various levels and complete missions with different characters, including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and new characters like Amy Rose and Big the Cat. Sonic Adventure received critical acclaim and helped establish the Sonic franchise as a key component of Sega’s game portfolio.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2006)
In 2006, Sega released a modern reboot of the Sonic the Hedgehog series for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game featured updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and new characters, while still maintaining the classic elements that made the series popular. The game was well-received by fans and critics alike, and it paved the way for several sequels and spin-offs, including Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Generations.
Sonic Mania
In 2017, Sega released Sonic Mania, a nostalgic throwback to the classic Sonic games. Developed by a team of fans and former Sonic developers, the game received widespread critical acclaim for its excellent level design, gameplay, and music. Sonic Mania was praised for capturing the essence of classic Sonic games while still feeling fresh and innovative.
The Sonic the Hedgehog series has been a cornerstone of Sega’s game portfolio for over three decades, and it continues to be a beloved franchise among gamers worldwide.
H3: Super Monkey Ball series
The Super Monkey Ball series is one of the most iconic franchises owned by Sega. The series was first introduced in 2001 for the GameCube and has since been released on various platforms, including the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The game features a lovable monkey named AiAi, who is the protagonist of the series. The gameplay revolves around guiding AiAi through a series of mazes, where the player must control a clear ball in which AiAi is riding. The player must navigate the ball through various obstacles and hazards while collecting bananas along the way.
The Super Monkey Ball series has had several iterations since its initial release, with each version introducing new gameplay mechanics and features. For example, Super Monkey Ball 2 introduced multiplayer modes, where players could compete against each other in various mini-games. Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania, the latest iteration of the series, was released in 2021 and features a remastered version of all the levels from previous games, as well as new levels and gameplay mechanics.
In addition to the main Super Monkey Ball series, there have been several spin-off games, including Super Monkey Ball Adventure, Super Monkey Ball Deluxe, and Super Monkey Ball 3D. These games offer different gameplay experiences and feature new characters and environments.
Overall, the Super Monkey Ball series is a beloved franchise among gamers and has been a cornerstone of Sega’s game portfolio for over two decades. With its unique gameplay mechanics and lovable characters, it is no wonder that the series continues to be a fan favorite.
H3: Total War series
The Total War series is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful series of turn-based strategy games developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. The series debuted in 2000 with the release of “Total War: Shogun” and has since expanded to include numerous titles set in different historical periods and locations.
The Total War series is known for its unique blend of grand strategy and real-time tactics gameplay, allowing players to control armies and manage resources as they attempt to conquer and expand their empires. Each title in the series offers a diverse range of factions, units, and technologies for players to explore and master.
In addition to the mainline Total War games, the series has also spawned several spin-offs and expansion packs, such as “Total War: Rome: Total War” and “Total War: Warhammer.” These titles have helped to maintain the series’ popularity and have contributed to its continued success.
Overall, the Total War series is a cornerstone of Sega’s game portfolio and remains one of the most beloved and respected strategy game franchises in the industry.
H2: Acquisitions and partnerships
H3: Acquisition of Amplitude Studios
In 2018, Sega made a significant move in the gaming industry by acquiring Amplitude Studios, a French video game developer known for creating successful strategy games such as “Endless Space” and “Endless Legend.” The acquisition was a strategic move for Sega, as it allowed the company to expand its portfolio of internal studios and strengthen its position in the PC gaming market.
Amplitude Studios was founded in 2010 by a group of experienced game developers who had previously worked at Ubisoft and EA. The studio quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to strategy games, which combined deep gameplay mechanics with engaging storytelling. The studio’s games have received critical acclaim and have a dedicated fan base.
The acquisition of Amplitude Studios was a smart move for Sega, as it allowed the company to expand its portfolio of internal studios and strengthen its position in the PC gaming market. The acquisition also provided Sega with access to Amplitude’s expertise in strategy game development, which could be used to create new IPs and enhance existing franchises.
Since the acquisition, Amplitude Studios has continued to operate as an independent studio within Sega, working on new projects and supporting existing franchises. The studio’s first game after the acquisition was “Humankind,” a historical turn-based strategy game that was released in 2020 to critical acclaim.
Overall, the acquisition of Amplitude Studios was a strategic move for Sega that allowed the company to expand its portfolio of internal studios and strengthen its position in the PC gaming market. The acquisition also provided Sega with access to Amplitude’s expertise in strategy game development, which could be used to create new IPs and enhance existing franchises.
H3: Partnership with Two Point Hospital developer
Sega has formed a partnership with Two Point Hospital developer, Two Point Studios, to publish the game’s console versions. The partnership includes the development and distribution of the console versions of Two Point Hospital for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The game was released in January 2020 and has received positive reviews from critics and players alike. The partnership with Two Point Studios is part of Sega’s strategy to expand its presence in the console market and strengthen its relationships with independent developers.
H2: Sega’s future game releases
H3: Upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog games
As one of Sega’s flagship franchises, Sonic the Hedgehog has a dedicated following, and the company is committed to releasing new games featuring the iconic blue hedgehog. In recent years, Sega has been working on several upcoming Sonic games, each with its unique gameplay mechanics and storylines.
One of the most highly anticipated upcoming Sonic games is Sonic Mania 3, which is currently in development. This game is being developed by Christian Whitehead, the same developer behind the critically acclaimed Sonic Mania and Sonic Mania Plus. Sonic Mania 3 is expected to build upon the success of its predecessors, with new levels, characters, and gameplay mechanics that will challenge even the most experienced Sonic players.
Another upcoming Sonic game is Sonic Frontiers, which is a brand-new game in the Sonic series. This game is being developed by Sega’s internal studios and is expected to introduce a new open-world gameplay mechanic to the Sonic series. Players will be able to explore a vast, open world filled with puzzles, enemies, and collectibles, all while enjoying the fast-paced gameplay that the Sonic series is known for.
In addition to these upcoming Sonic games, Sega is also working on several other projects, including new games in the Yakuza series, a new game in the Phantasy Star series, and several mobile games. With such a diverse range of projects in development, Sega is poised to continue its legacy as one of the most innovative and creative game developers in the industry.
H3: New IPs in development
Sega has a long history of creating successful video game franchises, but the company is also constantly working on developing new intellectual properties (IPs) to add to its portfolio. Here are some of the new IPs that Sega is currently developing:
- Sonic the Hedgehog: Although Sonic is one of Sega’s most iconic franchises, the company is always looking for ways to reinvent the character and make the gameplay more exciting. The latest Sonic game, Sonic Mania, was a success, and Sega is already working on a new Sonic game that promises to be even better.
- Total War: The Total War series is one of Sega’s most popular franchises, and the company is always looking for ways to expand the game’s scope and gameplay. The latest Total War game, Total War: Warhammer 3, is currently in development, and it promises to be the most ambitious Total War game to date.
- Yakuza: The Yakuza series is another one of Sega’s most successful franchises, and the company is always looking for ways to expand the game’s story and gameplay. The latest Yakuza game, Yakuza 7, is currently in development, and it promises to be the most ambitious Yakuza game to date.
- Crazy Taxi: The Crazy Taxi series is one of Sega’s most beloved franchises, and the company is currently working on a new Crazy Taxi game that promises to be even crazier than the original. The game is currently in development, and it promises to be a blast to play.
- Phantasy Star Online: The Phantasy Star Online series is one of Sega’s most iconic RPG franchises, and the company is currently working on a new Phantasy Star Online game that promises to be even more immersive and engaging than the original. The game is currently in development, and it promises to be a must-play for RPG fans.
Overall, Sega is constantly working on developing new IPs to add to its portfolio, and the company’s track record suggests that these new IPs will be just as successful as its existing franchises. With so many exciting new games in development, it’s an exciting time to be a Sega fan.
H2: Licensing and publishing agreements
H3: Sega’s relationship with Nintendo
In recent years, Sega has made a number of licensing and publishing agreements with Nintendo, allowing them to release a number of popular titles on Nintendo platforms. Some of the most notable games that Sega has published on Nintendo platforms include:
- Super Mario All-Stars: This classic game was originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993, and was later re-released on the Nintendo Switch in 2010 as part of the “Super Mario All-Stars” compilation.
- Yoshi’s Island: This popular platformer was originally released for the SNES in 1995, and was later re-released on the Nintendo 3DS in 2014 as part of the “Yoshi’s Island” compilation.
- Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games: This popular sports game series was first released for the Nintendo Wii in 2008, and has since been released on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.
- Sonic Mania: This critically acclaimed platformer was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017, and was developed in collaboration with Nintendo.
In addition to these titles, Sega has also published a number of other games on Nintendo platforms, including classic arcade titles like “After Burner” and “Out Run,” as well as more recent releases like “Sonic Forces” and “Persona 5 Royal.” Overall, Sega’s relationship with Nintendo has been a successful one, with both companies benefiting from the partnership and the opportunity to reach new audiences.
H3: Collaboration with indie developers
Sega has been actively seeking collaboration with indie developers to create innovative games and expand its gaming portfolio. By partnering with independent game creators, Sega is able to tap into fresh ideas and creativity, which in turn helps the company stay relevant in the highly competitive gaming industry. Here are some of the ways Sega collaborates with indie developers:
- Providing development resources: Sega offers resources such as funding, technical support, and access to its development tools to indie developers. This helps indie developers to create games without having to worry about the financial burden of development.
- Publishing and distribution: Sega acts as a publisher for indie games, providing marketing and distribution support to help indie developers reach a wider audience. Sega’s publishing and distribution expertise helps indie developers to bring their games to market more effectively.
- Access to intellectual property: Sega’s vast library of intellectual property (IP) provides a rich source of inspiration for indie developers. By licensing Sega’s IP, indie developers can create games based on popular franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, and Streets of Rage, which helps them to reach a wider audience.
- Flexibility and creative freedom: Sega gives indie developers the flexibility and creative freedom to experiment with new ideas and gameplay mechanics. This encourages innovation and helps to create unique gaming experiences that stand out in a crowded market.
Overall, Sega’s collaboration with indie developers has been successful in creating new and exciting games that appeal to a wide range of gamers. By leveraging the creativity and innovation of indie developers, Sega is able to expand its gaming portfolio and stay competitive in the gaming industry.
H2: Sega’s influence on the gaming industry
H3: Impact on platformer genre
Sega has had a significant impact on the platformer genre of video games. Some of the most iconic platformer games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, were created by Sega and have gone on to become some of the most beloved and influential games in the industry.
One of the reasons why Sega’s platformer games were so successful was due to their innovative gameplay mechanics. For example, Sonic the Hedgehog introduced the concept of “speed running,” where players could navigate levels at high speeds, and this mechanic has since become a staple of the platformer genre.
Additionally, Sega’s platformer games were known for their colorful and vibrant graphics, which helped to create an immersive and engaging gaming experience for players. The games also featured catchy and memorable soundtracks, which further added to their appeal.
Overall, Sega’s impact on the platformer genre has been significant, and their games continue to be celebrated and played by fans of all ages.
H3: Pioneering contributions to sports games
Sega has made significant contributions to the sports game genre, and its influence can still be felt today. Here are some of the ways in which Sega has pioneered sports games:
- Groundbreaking graphics: Sega’s sports games were known for their cutting-edge graphics, which set a new standard for the genre. Games like NBA Jam and Madden NFL featured highly detailed characters and environments, which made the games feel more immersive and realistic.
- Innovative gameplay mechanics: Sega’s sports games also introduced innovative gameplay mechanics that have since become standard in the genre. For example, NBA Jam popularized the concept of over-the-top dunks and other high-flying moves, which have since become a staple of basketball games.
- Realistic physics simulations: Sega’s sports games were also known for their realistic physics simulations, which added a new level of realism to the genre. Games like NHL ’94 and FIFA ’98 featured advanced physics engines that simulated the movements and interactions of players and the ball, making the games feel more authentic.
- Online multiplayer: Sega was also an early pioneer of online multiplayer, which has since become a staple of sports games. Games like NBA Live and FIFA allowed players to compete against each other online, which added a new level of excitement and competition to the genre.
Overall, Sega’s contributions to the sports game genre have been significant and enduring. Its groundbreaking graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, realistic physics simulations, and online multiplayer features have all contributed to the genre’s popularity and evolution. Even today, many of the features and mechanics that Sega pioneered can still be found in modern sports games.
H3: The diverse and rich game library of Sega
Throughout its storied history, Sega has amassed a vast and diverse library of games that has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. From iconic franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Virtua Fighter to lesser-known gems like Streets of Rage and Altered Beast, Sega’s game library is a treasure trove of memorable and influential titles.
One of the key factors that sets Sega apart from its competitors is its willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas. This innovative spirit is evident in many of its games, from the groundbreaking 3D graphics of Virtua Fighter to the genre-defying weirdness of games like House of the Dead and Crazy Taxi.
In addition to its own in-house developments, Sega has also played a significant role in publishing and distributing games from other developers. This has included a wide range of titles across multiple platforms, from indie darlings like Catwoman and Puyo Puyo Tetris to big-budget blockbusters like FIFA and Total War.
Overall, Sega’s game library is a testament to the company’s creativity, resilience, and passion for the gaming industry. Whether you’re a fan of classic arcade games, cutting-edge console titles, or something in between, there’s something in Sega’s vast catalog that’s sure to scratch your gaming itch.
FAQs
1. What is Sega?
Sega is a Japanese multinational conglomerate that specializes in gaming and entertainment. The company is known for its video game consoles, arcade games, and software.
2. What types of games does Sega own?
Sega owns a variety of game franchises and properties, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager, Alien: Isolation, and many more.
3. How many games does Sega currently own?
Sega currently owns over 100 game franchises and properties, spanning across multiple genres and platforms.
4. Is Sega still active in the gaming industry?
Yes, Sega is still active in the gaming industry and continues to develop and publish new games for various platforms.
5. Are there any plans for Sega to release new games in the future?
Yes, Sega has announced several upcoming games, including Sonic the Hedgehog 30th Anniversary game, Total War: Warhammer 3, and more.