Sonic HQ25 Years & Counting!

From SegaWeb...

Sony will be publishing Sega's first seven PlayStation 2 titles in Europe, the two companies announced jointly today. Sega will turn over the publishing, advertising, and distribution reigns over to Sony in the territory, who will distribute the titles in five languages. The titles include the previously announced Virtua Fighter 4, K-Project, and Space Channel 5 games; the four new games are Ecco the Dolphin, F-355, Head Hunter, and a second Space Channel 5 title.

At least two of the seven titles will be released this year, though which ones were not specified. It is unknown if the confirmation of Head Hunter coming to the PS2 will impact the Dreamcast version of the title.

The partnership was made for a number of reasons, not the least of which being logistics. "Since we do not have our own marketing network in Europe, we decided to have SCE to handle distribution of our games for PlayStation 2," a Sega spokesman said. While Sega will continue to distribute their own Dreamcast titles in Europe, the additional titles will not put a strain on the company, which is currently undergoing a major reorganization. Whether the partnership will be renewed after these seven games are released was not addressed.

This is the third major partnership between Sega and Sony this year. In February they announced plans to co-develop a network of arcades using Sony's PS2-based arcade technology, and earlier this month announced plans to create cross-platform online titles for consoles and PC. The latest announcement was made after the stock market had closed in Tokyo, though Sega's share price rose nearly 2 percent prior the announcement, following weeks of declines.

For those keeping track, Sega has also announced a Sakura Wars title, two 'Let's Make a Sports Team' games, an online horse derby title, Guru Guru Onsen 2, and two Sega Sports games (NBA and NFL) for the PS2, bringing the total number of announced Sega games coming to PS2 up to 14.

Source: SegaWeb

IGNDC has released new SA2 media. Check it out by clicking here, and prepare to see the word 'grind' a lot.

Sega, naturally, is looking at new ways to handle their expertise. From Gaming Age:

Sega is looking towards non-game areas to boost profitability. The new strategy should help the company spread its wings to gain revenue on top of traditional videogame sales.

Munehiro Umemura, a general manager for Sega's future entertainment division, told a news conference that Sega's computer graphics technology and know-how in content development and in managing arcade facilities should present opportunities.

Non-game ventures include educational software that uses computer graphics, and training software such as computer simulations of earthquakes. The new businesses are expected to make up more than 10% of sales in the next five years.

Source: Gaming Age

Many people have now reported getting their hands on copies of Sonic Adventure 2, and SegaDojo, with no doubt a lot of other sites, have confirmed Sega's shipping of the game.

As I said on the Mobius Forum, 'Let the Chao(s) begin...'

There has been a ton of confusion over just when SA2 is supposed to come out. Different branches of SEGA and numerous gaming news sources put the dates as June 19, 21, and 23. Some software retailers are saying it's going to be released on Junew 20. Of course, SHQ will report it as soon as the game is spotted in stores or a definite release date is confirmed.

Recently, there have been a lot of questions about DiC's "Sonic" (cartoon series unspecified) DVD release. People have been asking abut it at video stores only to get weird looks from confused clerks. Well, we don't know when it's coming out, but it is still planned forr the market. Sonmanic wrote DiC and got this response, reconfirming the videos.

Thanks for your interest in Sonic. Yes, it is true, we will be releasing Sonic on Home Video and most likely DVD as well. There will be a Sonic release this year and most likely some in 2002 as well. We are working with Sega on cross-promotional activities to tie in with the 10th anniversary of Sonic. Unfortunately, as of now, that is all the information we can release.

Again, thanks for being a loyal supporter of Sonic!

Jedd Gold
Manager, Marketing & Promotions
DIC Entertainment

The following is from SegaDojo:

A few interesting tidbits that was recently put into public (although not surprising). It seems that Sega Corp. has become the largest shareholder in CSK along being the second largest investor in NextCom KK. This news was recently posted in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun Saturday morning edition. After Isao Ohkaw, the company's former President and Chairman, passed away in March, he donated his stakes to the company. With Sega holding 4.4 million shares (or 5.9% in stake) in CSK along with 19.88 million shares of it's own company (or 12.2% in stakes), it will be very interesting to see what the financial state will be for them in the near future.

Probably not particularly interesting for most folks out there, but this is worth noting, nonetheless.

Source: SegaDojo

It's Sonic's tenth anniversary in Japan, and to celebrate, Sonic Team is holding a birthday party! The party is set to take place in Japan on June 23rd starting at 8:00 (in Osaka) and June 24th starting at 4:30 (in Tokyo). Those who attend will get to meet members of Sonic Team and socialize with fellow rabid fans and Sega of Japan PR reps.

Believe it or not, it's actually suggested that you bring a present for Sonic! Sonic Team does ask that you not bring anything too valuable, though. Those who attend will receive a special piece of Sonic merchandize which we presume will be sellable on Ebay for thousands and thousands of dollars fifty years from now.

We've heard that Sonic Team is hoping to hold similar events in America, although nothing has been confirmed at this point. Sega of America… how about it?

If you're in Japan, turn to this page for more details.

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Source: DCIGN

Dreamcast.ign.com have released 4 interviews. From SEGAs Hitmaker (Crazy Taxi), Smilebit (Jet Set Radio), Amusement Vision (Planet Harriers), and of course, Sonic Team's own Yuji Naka. Only a few questions were asked unfortunately, as they did not have enough time to give a full interview (it's not like we don't know all about whats coming out anyway) so enjoy.

Source: Sega Unleashes Interviews by IGN

Wizzywig is offerring Sonic 10th Anniversary Plushies for pre-order. The five plushies to choose from are of Sonic, Tails, Shadow, Rouge, and a Chao. More information is at their site under Preorder Toys or Characters (and then Sonic).

Source: Wizzywig.com