Home Gaming SEGA axes jobs as it focuses on PC and mobile

SEGA axes jobs as it focuses on PC and mobile

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sanic

SEGA was once one the biggest console hardware purveyors on the planet. In the 16-bit era, it very nearly dethroned Nintendo and its Super NES to claim the console crown. Since then though the company’s abandoned its console hardware – and it’s starting to look like the once prolific company may abandon consoles entirely.

SEGA-Sammy has announced a rather massive restructure that could see the company – already a shadow of its former self, become even less.

Over 300 jobs could be in jeopardy, with SEGA saying it’ll be streamlining operations.

“Local organisations managing packaged game software in Western markets will be streamlined”, the company confirmed, with its San Francisco offices already closed.

SEGA will, in an effort maximise profitability, focus a little more on merchandising and Sonic – along with mobile and online PC games; areas it identifies as ones with potential for growth.

“SEGA has positioned Digital Games, particularly smartphone and PC online gaming, as a growth area and has determined to implement the following measures in order to constantly post profits by improving management efficiency while promptly promoting redistribution of management resources.”

“Voluntary retirement will be solicited in the aforementioned businesses to be withdrawn or consolidated and downsized, while at the same time personnel will be repositioned in digital games and growth areas of Group mainly as development personnel, in order to establish a structure which can constantly generate profits,” SEGA said.

This restructuring however, will have no bearing on its development studios like Creative Assembly – behind the excellent Alien: Isolation and its console game business. Maybe.

“We are under consultation with a limited number of staff in the European publishing business and will be able to confirm decisions regarding any potential redundancies in the coming weeks,” they say.

Troubling times for SEGA – and sad times for anyone who’s grown up with the company and its games.

Last Updated: January 30, 2015

8 Comments

  1. Jonah Cash

    January 30, 2015 at 20:18

    Sega 16 bit with Rugby World Cup 1995… Hours upon hours of great fun!! Sad that it has come to this 🙁

    Reply

    • Skyblue

      January 31, 2015 at 09:15

      I used to love that game as well.

      Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      February 2, 2015 at 07:46

      Yes! It was always easier for me when you ran up the screen instead of down because of the angle. But it was a pretty decent attempt on their part. That and Brian Lara Cricket. Played that till death.

      Reply

      • Jonah Cash

        February 2, 2015 at 07:58

        I started with Jonty Rhodes cricket and a 2D rugby game which I can’t find on the net. You could change the colour of your teams kit and everything….

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          February 2, 2015 at 08:32

          Try romnation?

          Reply

  2. So Hard (Umar)

    January 30, 2015 at 20:40

    Why are they focusing on Sonic???….I’m not actually clued up. Is Sonic that lucrative for them…….
    Believe me, I still love Sega but they have Atlus under them now…Gods, they better not screw them up too even though they said it wont affect the other companies…

    Reply

  3. Admiral Chief

    January 30, 2015 at 21:05

    Sad indeed

    Reply

  4. Hammersteyn

    February 2, 2015 at 07:47

    Just another “Sanic” Monday

    Reply

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