Someone needs to go back to Marketing 101. I think I speak for quite a few of the 12+ demographic around here when I greet the original comments with:
What a load of Ratners.
Wow...Wikipedia really does seem to have entries for pretty much everything, don't they?
So what's it called when a British executive simultaneously compliments and insults their biggest competitor, the way Simon did in his latest bit of fun with the media:
Erm? I thought it meant you insulted the customers (and by extention your own product). I didn't think you had to mention the competition at all but maybe I misunderstood.
It was more of a case of him insulting the product and the company, and by extension the customers, since they were out there buying these things.
I'm old enough to remember the speech itself (and "A load of Ratners" being a popular euphemism for a crock of *bleep* in some circles) - I just needed to find a quick reference source for it. 🙂
Sonic Stadium interviews Simon Jeffery about Sonic.
Quote:
TSS: Simon Jeffery, thank you for taking some time to speak with us. First, could we get an idea of your role in SEGA, and what kind of involvement you have in the games that are released, including in particular the Sonic series?
SJ: I run SEGA of America. We, like SEGA of Europe, are a subsidiary of SEGA of Japan. I have involvement with games that are built in the West, but not with games built in Japan. Therefore, sorry to say, I am unable to answer questions about Sonic Team as they reside in Japan and do not come under my jurisdiction at all! Likewise, I know this will make you all mad; SEGA of America has no say in the voice casting. Absolutely none, so all of the online petitions and personal emails and letters that we get at SOA cannot be acted on, sorry to say.
Now we know who to really to blame.
Quote:
TSS: You caught a bit of unexpected controversy over your implication that Sonic the Hedgehog becomes un-cool to kids once they hit 12 years old. But it can be argued that this is because the story, atmosphere and approach of recent Sonic games have made it unapproachable by adults. Would you agree with this statement?
SJ: Absolutely. The reason that Sonic is still around after 16 years, is that the character design was so endearing, had such longevity, that he has outlived all those other woodland critters like Bubsy the Bobcat and Awesome Possom! But there is more than that Sonic has an attitude that can be related to by people of all ages, and can do things that no other videogame character can compete with. However, some of the Sonic games over the last few years have not lived up to expectation, and it is these games, not Sonic himself, which do not appeal to older gamers. Sonic is timeless!
Actually he still does appeal to older fans but only those that have been fans for years. New fans that a different story.
So... uh.
Is a high ranking Sega official basically admitting that Sonic Team are loonatics making crap games and that the voice actors suck?
Because... I am impressed with his insight and bluntness.
He never gave his opinion on the voice actors. He just knows about all the online petitions and how they don't work.
But yes. Yes he does. He'll be fired next week.
He's the president. No one can fire the president.
He might wake up at the bottom of the sea wearing concrete slippers when Sonic Team find out though.
So... uh.
Is a high ranking Sega official basically admitting that Sonic Team are loonatics making crap games and that the voice actors suck?
Because... I am impressed with his insight and bluntness.
Have you not been paying attention? The guy's bluntness is par for the course. But he is right, certain reviewers treat the failure of recent Sonic games on the character, like there is some sort of fundamental flaw with the character, the concept, or the gameplay that prohibits it from evolving and adapting to the times, when that is not true. It's the fault of Sonic's handlers, the harried, incompetent developers and the executives at the top of SegaSammy who want the games out by certain superficial deadlines. I have regained some respect for Jeffrey. That still doesn't mean I've gotten over his "over 12" statement.
No one can deny it at this point.
The inclusion of Sonic in Brawl has just significantly pushed up his coolness rating.
Spiner... this topic focusing on SEGA`s negative side made me feel down.
But what you said... IT MADE MY DAY! 
