List of Sega software development studios
Encyclopedia
Sega
has had in-house studios and subsidiary studios from 1983 to date.
explained the working construct of Sega Studios Japan during the pre- and post-Sega Master System days.
"They had one room with about forty people in it, and it was trying to make, in this one room, essentially all games that would be needed to launch and support the Master System. A typical project was one or two programmers, three months. And the pressure was very, very high.
But at the same time, we did some great work. And there were some very talented people, both Reiko Kodama and Yuji Naka were in this room, and Yu Suzuki was only two floors away, in the same building, reinventing arcade games."
It can be assumed that until 1998 a rigid team structure was not followed, therefore members were not restricted to work only on their own studio's game. Hence, several different teams contributed in the development of a game where as only the dominant studio was credited. For example, Sega Technical Institute collaborated with studios such as Sonic Team
and AM1 and produced multiple Sega games uncredited, such as the Sonic the Hedgehog games on the Mega Drive, and Die Hard Arcade
on the Sega Saturn
.
which was designed from the ground up by DD #2 for Sega Mega Drive a home console.
pitched the idea of Sonic the Hedgehog
as company mascot to Sega CEO Hayao Nakayama
.
The AM structure wasn't adamantly followed, often games were developed by game titled teams such as Team Shinobi (AM7) and Sonic Team
(AM8), while several members were from other internal and external studios.
The name "Sonic Team" has been used for AM8 since the inception of Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991, but the team internally continued as AM8/STI until 1995, when they officially changed their name to Sonic Team. NiGHTS Into Dreams...
was the first game to have the Sonic Team logo on the boxart, officially separating it from the Amusement Machine Research & Development teams.
was a team spun off from former EA Sports designers and a studio purchased by Sega Of America.
No Cliché
was a studio purchased by Sega of Europe.
until 2006, is now led by Hiroyuki Miyazaki. "GE" focuses on developing video games for home consoles, handheld consoles and mobile phones. Due to the merger of the U.S. branch of Sonic Team with the rest of Sonic Team in 2008, Global Entertainment R&D Dept. is now led by Takashi Iizuka
, replacing Akinori Nishiyama.
Amusement Software R&D Division which focuses on the development of games for arcade and slot machines. The division is headed by Kazunori Tsukamoto.
New Entertainment R&D Division which is led by Yu Suzuki
. "NE" focuses on development of new content for both arcade and consumer markets.
Yu Suzuki's NE#2 R&D has had several name changes from DigitalRex to AM+.
. but New Entertainment R&D Dept. 2. merged into the Sega AM2 from Amusement R&D Division.
Amusement R&D Division which focuses on the development of games for arcade and slot machines. The division is headed by Yukio Sugino (General Manager), Hiroshi Kataoka (General Manager: Amusement Software R&D) and Masao Yoshimoto (General Manager: Amusement Related R&D). and Consumer R&D Division 's New Entertainment R&D Dept. 2. merged into the Sega AM2.
External studios
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
has had in-house studios and subsidiary studios from 1983 to date.
Sega Studios construct
In an interview with Sega-16, Mark CernyMark Cerny
Mark Cerny is a video game industry figure who has worked as a game designer, programmer, producer and business executive. As president of Cerny Games, which he founded in 1998, he now acts as a consultant in the video game industry. In 2004, he was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award...
explained the working construct of Sega Studios Japan during the pre- and post-Sega Master System days.
"They had one room with about forty people in it, and it was trying to make, in this one room, essentially all games that would be needed to launch and support the Master System. A typical project was one or two programmers, three months. And the pressure was very, very high.
But at the same time, we did some great work. And there were some very talented people, both Reiko Kodama and Yuji Naka were in this room, and Yu Suzuki was only two floors away, in the same building, reinventing arcade games."
It can be assumed that until 1998 a rigid team structure was not followed, therefore members were not restricted to work only on their own studio's game. Hence, several different teams contributed in the development of a game where as only the dominant studio was credited. For example, Sega Technical Institute collaborated with studios such as Sonic Team
Sonic Team
is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based...
and AM1 and produced multiple Sega games uncredited, such as the Sonic the Hedgehog games on the Mega Drive, and Die Hard Arcade
Die Hard Arcade
Die Hard Arcade is the licensed North American, European and Australian version of the Japanese videogame . The game is a beat 'em up with loose ties to the Die Hard movie series of the same name....
on the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
.
Development Division
It appears that the development division was largely restricted to arcade development. However, there were some exceptions such as Sword of VermilionSword of Vermilion
is a console role-playing game developed and published by Sega for the Mega Drive console in 1989. It was released in 1991 in North America and Europe...
which was designed from the ground up by DD #2 for Sega Mega Drive a home console.
| Department | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Sega DD #1 | Sega's original Japanese development studio, spun off in 1990. | |
| Sega DD #2 | Yu Suzuki Yu Suzuki is a Japanese game designer and producer who has spent his entire career with Sega Enterprises. Often referred to as Sega's answer to Shigeru Miyamoto, he has been responsible for the creation of many of Sega's most important arcade games such as Hang-On, Out Run, After Burner II, Virtua Fighter,... |
Champion Boxing Champion Boxing is a 1983 boxing sports arcade game developed and published by Sega for the arcades, and later ported to the Sega SG-1000 the following year, only in Japan and Europe. It was Sega-AM2 founder and leader Yu Suzuki's debut creation... , Arcade Arcade game An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers... (1984) Space Harrier Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter game, released by Sega in 1985. It was produced by Yu Suzuki, responsible for many popular Sega games. It spawned several sequels: Space Harrier 3-D , Space Harrier II , and the spin-off Planet Harriers .... , Arcade (1985) Hang-On Hang-On Hang-On is an arcade game released by Sega in 1985. It is the world's first full-body-experience video game. In the game, the player controls a motorcycle against time and other computer-controlled bikes. It was one of the first arcade games to use 16-bit graphics and Sega's "Super Scaler"... , Arcade (1985) OutRun, Arcade (1986) After Burner After Burner is a 1987 Japanese flight simulator arcade game by Sega. It is one of the first games designed by Yu Suzuki. The player flew an F-14 using a specialized joystick , and the game spawned several sequels.-Gameplay:... , Arcade (1987) Super Hang-On Super Hang-On is a 1987 motorcycle racing arcade game from Sega, and the sequel to the acclaimed Hang-On. A version of this game, in the full simulated-motorcycle cabinet used by the original Hang-On was released in 1991 as Limited Edition Hang-On.... , Arcade (1987) After Burner II After Burner II After Burner II is an arcade-style flight game released by Sega in 1987. It is the second game in the After Burner series. In the game, you fly a F-14 Tomcat jet fighter, gunning down enemies while avoiding incoming fire... , Arcade (1987) Power Drift Power Drift is an arcade game released by Sega in 1988. A racing game, it made high use of sprite-scaling to create a 3D effect, similar to contemporaries Out Run and Hang-On.-Gameplay:... , Arcade (1988) Dynamite Dux Dynamite Dux Dynamite Düx is a side-scrolling 'beat 'em up' arcade game, created by Sega-AM2 and released by Sega in 1989 for their successful Sega System 16 arcade board, the same board that was used for hits like Golden Axe and Altered Beast... , Arcade (1988) Turbo OutRun Turbo Outrun Turbo OutRun is a arcade racing game released by Sega. It was released as a dedicated game, as well as an upgradable kit that could be installed on the original Out Run board.-Overview:... , Arcade (1988) Sword of Vermilion Sword of Vermilion is a console role-playing game developed and published by Sega for the Mega Drive console in 1989. It was released in 1991 in North America and Europe... , Mega Drive (1989) G-LOC: Air Battle G-LOC: Air Battle G-LOC: Air Battle is a 1990 air combat arcade game by Sega. The title refers to "G-force induced Loss Of Consciousness".-Overview:The game puts the player in a fighter plane, dog fighting other planes. Once the player takes too many hits or the game-timer runs out the game is over. The player earns... , Arcade (1990) GP Rider GP Rider GP Rider is an arcade game developed and manufactured by Sega released in 1990. It was ported to the Sega Master System and Game Gear in 1992.-Game description:... , Arcade (1990) G-LOC R-360, Arcade (1990) |
| Sega DD #3 | Rikiya Nakagawa | Shinobi series |
Consumer Development Division
Shinobu Toyoda was the leader of Sega CD later known as AM8 and eventually Sonic Team. Under Toyoda's leadership project designer Naoto Oshima & lead programmer Yuji NakaYuji Naka
, is a video game designer and programmer, best known as the former head of Sonic Team, a group of Sega programmers/designers, where he was the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog....
pitched the idea of Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog (character)
, trademarked Sonic The Hedgehog, is a video game character and the main protagonist of the Sonic video game series released by Sega, as well as in numerous spin-off comics, cartoons, and a feature film. The first game was released on June 23, 1991, to provide Sega with a mascot to rival Nintendo's...
as company mascot to Sega CEO Hayao Nakayama
Hayao Nakayama
Hayao Nakayama is a Japanese businessman and former President 'Sega Enterprises, Ltd '.-Sega:In 1984, he purchased the shares of Sega Enterprises from Bally with the head of a company Rosen purchased in 1979, David Rosen, and the CSK Corporation....
.
| Department | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Sega CD #1 | ||
| Sega CD #2 | Shinobu Toyoda | Girl's Garden Girl's Garden is a 1984 video game that was released exclusively for the Japanese market.-Summary:This video game has elements of adventure games, action games, and dating sims.... , SG-1000 SG-1000 The SC-3000 was the computer equivalent of the SG-1000.The SC-3000 sold for ¥29,800 in 1983 and was marketed as a computer for beginners... (1984) Great Baseball, Master System (1985) F-16 Fighting Falcon, Master System (1985) Hokuto no Ken (Black Belt), Master System (1985) Space Harrier Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter game, released by Sega in 1985. It was produced by Yu Suzuki, responsible for many popular Sega games. It spawned several sequels: Space Harrier 3-D , Space Harrier II , and the spin-off Planet Harriers .... , Master System (1986) OutRun, Master System (1986) Phantasy Star Phantasy Star is the first installment in Sega's renowned series of the same name. It was released for the Sega Master System in Japan on December 20, 1987, and then in North America and Europe in 1988. It is considered one of the pioneers amongst console role-playing games, both for its advanced graphics... , Master System (1987) Super Thunder Blade Super Thunder Blade is a shooter for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis console, published by Sega. It was one of three launch titles for the console in Japan . It is a follow-up to the arcade game Thunder Blade. It was released for the Virtual Console on September 17, 2007... , Genesis (1988) Phantasy Star II Phantasy Star II Phantasy Star II is a console role-playing video game developed by Sega AM7 and released for the Sega Mega Drive in Japan in 1989. It was also released for the Mega Drive in Europe and the Genesis in America in 1990... , Genesis (1989) Ghouls 'n Ghosts Ghouls 'n Ghosts is a platform game/run and gun developed by Capcom and released as an arcade game in 1988, and subsequently ported to a number of other platforms. It is the sequel to Ghosts'n Goblins and the second game in the Ghosts'n Goblins series.-Gameplay:... , Genesis (1989) |
| Sega CD #3 | Noriyoshi Oba Noriyoshi Oba is a Japanese game designer and producer best known for his role as head of Sega Studio OverWorks. Currently Ohba is working at Premium Agency with other former Sega designers.-Education and Start:... |
Shinobi series |
Amusement Machines Research & Development construct
Sega reorganized and expanded upon their R&D studios, and the Consumer Divisions and Development Divisions were all now renamed to Sega-AM Teams (Amusement Machine Research & Development Teams).The AM structure wasn't adamantly followed, often games were developed by game titled teams such as Team Shinobi (AM7) and Sonic Team
Sonic Team
is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based...
(AM8), while several members were from other internal and external studios.
The name "Sonic Team" has been used for AM8 since the inception of Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991, but the team internally continued as AM8/STI until 1995, when they officially changed their name to Sonic Team. NiGHTS Into Dreams...
NiGHTS into Dreams...
Nights into Dreams... , is a video game released by Sega in 1996 for the Sega Saturn video game system. The game's story follows two children entering a dream world, where they are aided by the main character, Nights...
was the first game to have the Sonic Team logo on the boxart, officially separating it from the Amusement Machine Research & Development teams.
Team list
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sega AM1 R&D | Sega DD #3 | Rikiya Nakagawa | Puyo Puyo Puyo Puyo is the inaugural game in the Puyo Puyo series originally released in 1991 by Compile for the MSX2. Since its creation, it uses characters from . It was created by Masamitsu "Moo" Niitani, the founder of Compile, who was inspired by certain elements from the Tetris and Dr... (1992), Cool Riders Cool Riders Cool Riders is a spiritual sequel to OutRunners, released by Sega in 1994. It has a similar premise to OutRunners, though rather than drive cars, you ride bikes. It also uses digitised graphics similar to the likes of Mortal Kombat.... (1994), Indy 500 Indy 500 (arcade game) Indy 500 is a 1995 arcade racing game by SEGA Japan. It follows the format of previous driving games such as Daytona USA. It includes the famous Indianapolis 500... (1995), Sky Target Sky Target Sky Target is a 1995 arcade game by Sega. A rail shooter featuring a number of planes including the default F-14D Super Tomcat, it is best remembered for its semi-official connection to Sega's earlier hit After Burner... , Dynamite Baseball, Dynamite Cop Dynamite Cop Dynamite Cop is a video game published by Sega and initially released in arcades on Sega Model 2 hardware. The game was then ported to the Sega Dreamcast console and released in Japan, North America and Europe... (1996), Columns '97, Dynamite Baseball '97, The House of the Dead The House of the Dead (video game) The House of the Dead is a first-person, light gun arcade game developed in 1996 and released in 1997 by Sega.Players assume the role of agents Thomas Rogan and "G" in their efforts to combat the products of the dangerous, inhumane experiments of Dr. Curien, a madman.-Gameplay:The House of the Dead... (1997) |
| Sega AM2 R&D | Sega DD#2 | Yu Suzuki Yu Suzuki is a Japanese game designer and producer who has spent his entire career with Sega Enterprises. Often referred to as Sega's answer to Shigeru Miyamoto, he has been responsible for the creation of many of Sega's most important arcade games such as Hang-On, Out Run, After Burner II, Virtua Fighter,... |
Shenmue Shenmue is a 1999 open-world adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title, "FREE" , for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player... (1999), Virtua Fighter (1993), After Burner After Burner is a 1987 Japanese flight simulator arcade game by Sega. It is one of the first games designed by Yu Suzuki. The player flew an F-14 using a specialized joystick , and the game spawned several sequels.-Gameplay:... (1987), Out Run Out Run is an arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was designed by Yu Suzuki and Sega-AM2. The game was a critical and commercial success. It is notable for its innovative hardware , pioneering graphics and music, a choice in both soundtrack and route, and its strong theme of luxury and relaxation... (1986) |
| Sega AM3 R&D | New Studio | Tetsuya Mizuguchi Tetsuya Mizuguchi is a video game designer and founder of the video game development firm Q Entertainment. He formerly worked for Sega were he eventually became the head of their United Game Artists division... |
Rail Chase (1991), Jurassic Park Jurassic Park (arcade game) Jurassic Park is the name of a rail shooter arcade game developed by Sega in 1994. Gameplay has much in common with the classic rail shooter Operation Wolf, as players fend off their vehicle from dinosaur attacks with automatic weaponry, though a joystick is used to play, rather than a light gun. A... (1992), Star Wars Arcade Star Wars Arcade Star Wars Arcade is a video game released in 1993 to arcades. A home port served as a launch title for the Sega 32X in 1994... , Dragonball Z V.R.V.S. (1994), Sega Rally Championship Sega Rally Championship Sega Rally Championship is a 1994 arcade racing game developed by AM5 on the Sega Model 2 board. It was a year later in 1995 ported over to the Sega Saturn and PC.... , Funky Head Boxers, Virtual On Virtual On is a series of video games created by Sega AM-3 . The original series was first published for arcades in February 1995. The game features fast, action-oriented gameplay requiring quick reflexes... , Gunblade New York (1995), Manx TT Superbike Manx TT Superbike Manx TT Superbike is a 1995 arcade racing game developed jointly by Sega-AM3 and Sega-AM4. It was later brought to the Sega Saturn by Psygnosis and Tantalus Interactive and then ported to Windows by Perfect Entertainment. It was the first motorcycle racing game built for the Sega Model 2 arcade... , DecAthlete DecAthlete (video game) DecAthlete, released in Europe as Athlete Kings, is an athletics themed arcade game. Released in 1994 it was developed and produced by Sega. A well-received home port was released on the Sega Saturn in 1995, scoring mainly positive reviews for its arcade faithful conversion, due to the similar... , Last Bronx Last Bronx is a 3D fighting game developed by Sega-AM3 on the Sega Model 2 mainboard. This is one of the first motion captured 3D weapon fighting games released in Japanese game centers in 1996, the other was Soul Edge. Home versions, shortened to Last Bronx, were produced for contemporary Sega game console... (1996), The Lost World: Jurassic Park The Lost World: Jurassic Park (arcade game) The Lost World: Jurassic Park is a light gun arcade game from Sega. It was released in 1997. It was the follow-up to Sega's 1994 rail shooter based on Jurassic Park, itself named Jurassic Park... , Top Skater Top Skater Top Skater is an arcade game released by Sega in 1997, and built on the Sega Model 2 hardware. It was one of the first arcade games to feature a skateboard controller interface.... , Winter Heat (1997) |
| Sega AM4 R&D | New Studio | Toshihiro Nagoshi Toshihiro Nagoshi is a Japanese video game producer and designer for Sega. Nagoshi headed Sega AM4/Amusement Vision. He is best known as the producer and director of the Super Monkey Ball series, excluding Super Monkey Ball Adventure. His credits also include Virtua Striker, Daytona USA, and Spikeout... |
Daytona USA Daytona USA (arcade game) Daytona USA is a 1993 racing video game by Sega. Considered one of the highest grossing arcade games of all time, Daytona USA was Sega's first title to debut on the Sega Model 2 arcade board, and at the time of its 1993 introduction, was considered the most visually detailed 3D arcade racing game... (1994), Virtua Striker Virtua Striker The Virtua Striker video games are arcade-style soccer games by Sega. Originally developed by Sega AM2, the series moved to Amusement Vision with Virtua Striker 3... (1995), Virtua Striker 2 (1997) |
| Sega AM5 R&D | New Studio | Kenji Sasaki | Sega Rally series |
| Team Andromeda (AM6) | Sega CD #1 | Yukio Futatsugi | Panzer Dragoon Panzer Dragoon (series) Panzer Dragoon is a series of video games by Sega, created first by its internal Team Andromeda and later, the Smilebit development team. Aside from the RPG Panzer Dragoon Saga, the games are of the rail shooter genre... series |
| Sega AM7 R&D | Sega CD #3 | Noriyoshi Oba Noriyoshi Oba is a Japanese game designer and producer best known for his role as head of Sega Studio OverWorks. Currently Ohba is working at Premium Agency with other former Sega designers.-Education and Start:... |
Streets of Rage Streets of Rage Streets of Rage, known in Japan as , is a side-scrolling beat 'em up released by Sega in 1991 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It is the first installment of the Streets of Rage series which was followed by Streets of Rage 2 and Streets of Rage 3. The game was also converted over to Sega's Game... series (1991–1994), Shinobi Shinobi Shinobi is the Japanese word for male ninja. It may also refer to:*Shinobi , a series of video games**Shinobi , the original video game in the series developed by Sega**Shinobi , the PlayStation 2 sequel... /Shadow Dancer Series (1989 - 1993)Sakura Taisen series, Phantasy Star series Phantasy Star series is a series of console role-playing video games and other supplementary media created by Sega. The original game debuted in 1987 on the Sega Master System with Phantasy Star, and continues into the present with Phantasy Star Universe, Sega's foray into the realm of MMORPGs... (1990 - 1998), Deep Fear Deep Fear Deep Fear is a 1998 survival horror video game for the Sega Saturn. It is notable for being the last Saturn game released in Europe.It borrows many aspects from Capcom's Resident Evil such as the use of first-aid sprays as the player's sole healing item and a significant dependency on firearms... |
| STI | New Studio | Mark Cerny Mark Cerny Mark Cerny is a video game industry figure who has worked as a game designer, programmer, producer and business executive. As president of Cerny Games, which he founded in 1998, he now acts as a consultant in the video game industry. In 2004, he was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award... |
Kid Chameleon, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (16-bit) Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a 16-bit 1992 platform video game that was developed by Sonic Team members working at the Sega Technical Institute, and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis console. It was released in Japan on November 21, 1992 and in North America and Europe on November 24, 1992... (with Sonic Team) (1992), Sonic Spinball (1993), Comix Zone Comix Zone Comix Zone is a arcade-style action game. The game's unique feature is that it is set within the panels of a comic book. Each level consists of two pages and secrets are discovered by shredding the paper and revealing items. The unique dialogue is rendered within talk bubbles with the typical... , The Ooze The Ooze The Ooze is a video game developed by Sega Technical Institute and released in 1995 for the Mega Drive/Genesis console. In the game, players take the role of a slimy puddle of liquid and face off against various enemies and obstacles.-Plot:... (1995), Die Hard Arcade Die Hard Arcade Die Hard Arcade is the licensed North American, European and Australian version of the Japanese videogame . The game is a beat 'em up with loose ties to the Die Hard movie series of the same name.... (with Sega AM1), Sonic X-Treme Sonic X-treme Sonic X-treme is a canceled platform video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Early version were considered for several systems until ending up as being developed by Sega for the Sega Saturn, with the intended release being around Christmas of 1996. However, after getting stuck in development... (unreleased) (1996) |
| Sonic Team Sonic Team is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based... (AM8) |
Sega CD #2 | Yuji Naka Yuji Naka , is a video game designer and programmer, best known as the former head of Sonic Team, a group of Sega programmers/designers, where he was the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog.... |
Sonic the Hedgehog series, Nights NiGHTS into Dreams... Nights into Dreams... , is a video game released by Sega in 1996 for the Sega Saturn video game system. The game's story follows two children entering a dream world, where they are aided by the main character, Nights... , Burning Rangers Burning Rangers Burning Rangers is a video game developed by Sonic Team for the Sega Saturn. The player takes on the role of a new recruit to the futuristic firefighting organization of the title, and must explore locations where various emergencies have taken place, extinguishing fires and rescuing survivors.The... , Puyo Pop Minna de Puyo Puyo Puyo Pop, known as in Japan, is a video game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega in 2001.- Gameplay :The plot involves the villain, Satan, splitting up five gold runes and giving them to five other people. The Single Puyo Puyo mode, where players progress through and unlock new courses.... , Puyo Pop Fever Puyo Pop Fever Puyo Pop Fever, known as in Japan, is the fifth installment in the popular Puyo Puyo puzzle game series, developed by Sonic Team, released on a wide variety of systems in several regions. Sega published all the Japanese versions of the game; the game was scarcely released internationally, and... series |
| Sega Interactive SegaSoft SegaSoft SegaSoft, originally headquartered in Redwood City, California and later San Francisco, was a joint venture by Sega and CSK, created to develop and publish single and multiplayer games for the PC, primarily in the North American marketplace. SegaSoft was founded in 1995 and lasted until 2000, when... 1995 - 1998 |
Acquired Deep Blue | Michael Latham | Eternal Champions Eternal Champions Eternal Champions is a 2D fighting game originally conceived by Scott Berfield, produced by Mike Latham for Sega of America and was developed by the Sega Interactive Development Division.... series, Star Wars Arcade Star Wars Arcade Star Wars Arcade is a video game released in 1993 to arcades. A home port served as a launch title for the Sega 32X in 1994... (with Sega AM1) (1993) |
Other studios
Camelot Software Planning was a subsidiary studio and not traditionally an in-house studio.Amusement Machines Research & Development Construct
Prior to the release of the Dreamcast, Sega converted all their in-house studios into 2nd Party Studios.Studio list
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOW Entertainment Wow Entertainment Sega Wow is a Sega video game company, which resulted from the merger of Wow Entertainment and Overworks.-Wow Entertainment:Wow Entertainment was an in-house Sega developer previously known as AM1... |
Sega AM1 R&D | Rikiya Nakagawa | The House of the Dead The House of the Dead (video game) The House of the Dead is a first-person, light gun arcade game developed in 1996 and released in 1997 by Sega.Players assume the role of agents Thomas Rogan and "G" in their efforts to combat the products of the dangerous, inhumane experiments of Dr. Curien, a madman.-Gameplay:The House of the Dead... series, Sega GT Sega GT Sega GT, released as "Sega GT Homologation Special" in Japan, February 17 2000, is a semi-simulation oriented racing game for the Dreamcast. This game was secretly designed by Sega to become the Dreamcast system's very own Gran Turismo and compete with the announced but not yet released "Gran... series, Dynamite Cop Dynamite Cop Dynamite Cop is a video game published by Sega and initially released in arcades on Sega Model 2 hardware. The game was then ported to the Sega Dreamcast console and released in Japan, North America and Europe... series |
| Sega AM2 (CRI Middleware CRI Middleware CRI Middleware Co., Ltd. is a Japanese developer providing middleware for use in the computer and video game industry. From the early nineties, CRI was a video game developer, but shifted focus in 2001... ) |
same as before | Yu Suzuki Yu Suzuki is a Japanese game designer and producer who has spent his entire career with Sega Enterprises. Often referred to as Sega's answer to Shigeru Miyamoto, he has been responsible for the creation of many of Sega's most important arcade games such as Hang-On, Out Run, After Burner II, Virtua Fighter,... |
Virtua Fighter series, Out Run Out Run is an arcade game released by Sega in 1986. It was designed by Yu Suzuki and Sega-AM2. The game was a critical and commercial success. It is notable for its innovative hardware , pioneering graphics and music, a choice in both soundtrack and route, and its strong theme of luxury and relaxation... series, Shenmue Shenmue is a 1999 open-world adventure video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Dreamcast, produced and directed by Yu Suzuki. Suzuki coined a genre title, "FREE" , for the game, based on the interactivity and freedom he wanted to give to the player... series, After Burner After Burner is a 1987 Japanese flight simulator arcade game by Sega. It is one of the first games designed by Yu Suzuki. The player flew an F-14 using a specialized joystick , and the game spawned several sequels.-Gameplay:... series, Space Harrier Space Harrier is a third-person rail shooter game, released by Sega in 1985. It was produced by Yu Suzuki, responsible for many popular Sega games. It spawned several sequels: Space Harrier 3-D , Space Harrier II , and the spin-off Planet Harriers .... series, Virtua Racing Virtua Racing Virtua Racing or V.R. for short, is a Formula One racing arcade game, developed by Sega-AM2 and released in October 1992. Virtua Racing was initially a proof-of-concept application for exercising a new 3D-graphics platform under development, the "Model 1". The results were so encouraging, that... |
| Hitmaker Hitmaker Sega AM3 is a division of Japanese video game developer Sega Corporation. The development team has produced some popular arcade game and video games, including Virtual On, NASCAR Arcade, Crazy Taxi, Astro Boy: Omega Factor , Virtua Tennis, and the Initial D Arcade Stage series.-History:In 2000, as... |
Sega AM3 R&D | Hisao Oguchi Hisao Oguchi Hisao Oguchi is the current President and COO of Sega Corporation as well as the current Director, Vice Chairman, and Chief Creative Officer of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. Oguchi originally was President and CEO of Sega until the merger with Sammy.-References:... |
Crazy Taxi Crazy Taxi Crazy Taxi is a sandbox racing video game developed by Hitmaker and published by Sega. It is the first game in the Crazy Taxi series. The game was first released in arcades in 1999 and was ported to the Dreamcast in 2000. Subsequently, it was ported to the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube by... series, Virtua Tennis Virtua Tennis Virtua Tennis is a 1999 tennis arcade game created by Sega-AM3. The player competes through tennis tournaments and various arcade modes. For the home console market the game was expanded with the introduction of the campaign mode. It was later ported to Dreamcast in 2000, and for Microsoft Windows... series |
| Amusement Vision | Sega AM4 R&D | Toshihiro Nagoshi Toshihiro Nagoshi is a Japanese video game producer and designer for Sega. Nagoshi headed Sega AM4/Amusement Vision. He is best known as the producer and director of the Super Monkey Ball series, excluding Super Monkey Ball Adventure. His credits also include Virtua Striker, Daytona USA, and Spikeout... |
Super Monkey Ball Super Monkey Ball (series) The Super Monkey Ball series is a series of arcade platform games developed by Amusement Vision and distributed by Sega. It features 4 characters : AiAi, MeeMee, Baby and GonGon... series |
| Sega Rosso | Sega AM5 R&D | Kenji Sasaki | Sega Rally series, Initial D Arcade Stage Initial D Arcade Stage Initial D Arcade Stage is a racing game series developed by Sega Rosso, a division of Sega, based on the anime and manga Initial D... series |
| Smilebit | Team Andromeda | Shun Arai | Panzer Dragoon Panzer Dragoon is a rail shooter video game released for the Sega Saturn in 1995; and later released on PC, PlayStation 2, and as a bonus in its sequel Panzer Dragoon Orta for Xbox... series, Jet Set Radio Jet Set Radio is a video game for the Dreamcast, developed by Smilebit and published by Sega on June 29, 2000. A 2D version of the game was later released for Game Boy Advance; this version was developed by Vicarious Visions and published by THQ. Its sequel, Jet Set Radio Future was released 2 years later for... series |
| Overworks | Sega AM7 R&D | Noriyoshi Oba Noriyoshi Oba is a Japanese game designer and producer best known for his role as head of Sega Studio OverWorks. Currently Ohba is working at Premium Agency with other former Sega designers.-Education and Start:... |
Shinobi series, Sakura Taisen series, Skies of Arcadia Skies of Arcadia Skies of Arcadia, released in Japan as , is a console role-playing game developed by Overworks for the Dreamcast and published by Sega in 2000. Skies of Arcadia Legends, a port, was released for the GameCube in 2002. Legends was also in development for the PlayStation 2; however, the PS2 version... (2000) |
| Sonic Team Sonic Team is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based... |
same as before | Yuji Naka Yuji Naka , is a video game designer and programmer, best known as the former head of Sonic Team, a group of Sega programmers/designers, where he was the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog.... |
Sonic the Hedgehog series Sonic the Hedgehog series Sonic the Hedgehog is the best selling video game series released by Sega starring and named after its mascot character, Sonic the Hedgehog... , Phantasy Star Online Phantasy Star Online Phantasy Star Online is an online multiplayer action RPG title, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000, bundled with a demo of Sonic Adventure 2. Another edition, entitled Phantasy Star Online ver.2, was released for Dreamcast the following year... series, NiGHTS into Dreams... NiGHTS into Dreams... Nights into Dreams... , is a video game released by Sega in 1996 for the Sega Saturn video game system. The game's story follows two children entering a dream world, where they are aided by the main character, Nights... ,Samba de Amigo Samba de Amigo Samba de Amigo is a rhythm game originally developed by Sonic Team and released in 1999 by Sega in arcades, 2000 for the Dreamcast video game console, and developed by Gearbox Software and Escalation Studios in 2008 for the Wii. The player uses controllers shaped like maracas with the goal of... , Chu Chu Rocket (1999) |
| United Game Artists | AM3 + AM5 + AM6 + AM8 | Tetsuya Mizuguchi Tetsuya Mizuguchi is a video game designer and founder of the video game development firm Q Entertainment. He formerly worked for Sega were he eventually became the head of their United Game Artists division... |
Space Channel 5 Space Channel 5 Space Channel 5 is a music video game developed by United Game Artists under the direction of Tetsuya Mizuguchi and published by Sega. The gameplay features a system where the player must copy sequences of dance steps performed by the computer... series, Rez Rez Rez, developed under the codename K-Project, Project Eden, and Vibes, is a rail shooter video game released by Sega in Japan in 2001 for the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2, with a European Dreamcast release and United States PlayStation 2 release in 2002... (2001) |
| Visual Concepts Visual Concepts Visual Concepts is a California-based video game developer best known for developing Sega Sports' 2K series of sports games. After the success of the series, they were picked up by Sega and became a wholly owned studio with Sega, usually termed a first-party developer... |
EA Sports EA Sports EA Sports is a brand of Electronic Arts that creates and develops sports video games. Formerly a marketing gimmick of Electronic Arts, in which they tried to mimic real-life sports networks by calling themselves "EA Sports Network" with pictures or endorsements of real commentators such as John... |
NFL 2K series, NBA 2K NBA 2K The NBA 2K series is a series of basketball video games developed and released annually. Beginning in 1999, the NBA 2K series was an exclusive to the Sega Dreamcast. The series was originally published by Sega, under the label Sega Sports and is now published by 2K Sports... series, Floigan Bros, Ooga Booga Ooga Booga Ooga Booga is an online multiplayer game for the Dreamcast, focusing on the combat of "Kahunas" using thrown shrunken heads, riding animals, staffs, or using spells. The storyline is that Ooga Booga is a volcano goddess that creates islands, and has leaders of tribes, the Kahunas, that battle for... (2001), ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth is an action video game released for the Xbox on October 22, 2002. Developed by ToeJam & Earl Productions and Visual Concepts, and published by Sega and Microsoft, it is the third installment in the ToeJam & Earl series... (with ToeJam & Earl Productions ToeJam & Earl Productions ToeJam & Earl Productions, Inc. was an American video game developer. Founders Mark Voorsanger and Greg Johnson started the company in 1989.- History :... ) (2002) |
|
| No Cliché No Cliché No Cliché was a French-based game development company who created games for the Dreamcast, lead up by notable French developer Frédérick Raynal... |
Acquired Adeline Software International Adeline Software International Adeline Software International was a video game developer founded in February 1993 as a subsidiary company of Delphine Software International, and based in Lyon, France... |
Frédérick Raynal Frédérick Raynal Frédérick Raynal is a French video game designer and programmer, notable for his game developments in Infogrames, Adeline Software International and No Cliché. He is married to Yaël Barroz, a fellow game designer, with whom he has two children.... |
Toy Commander Toy Commander Toy Commander is an action game for the Dreamcast made by No Cliché and published by Sega.-Plot:... (1999), Toy Racer Toy Racer Toy Racer is a racing game for the Dreamcast made by No Cliché and published by Sega.The game is an extension of Toy Commander racing sections, designed exclusively for both offline and online multiplayer modes for up to four players... , Quake 3 Arena (2000), Agartha No Cliché No Cliché was a French-based game development company who created games for the Dreamcast, lead up by notable French developer Frédérick Raynal... (cancelled) (2001) |
Other studios
Visual ConceptsVisual Concepts
Visual Concepts is a California-based video game developer best known for developing Sega Sports' 2K series of sports games. After the success of the series, they were picked up by Sega and became a wholly owned studio with Sega, usually termed a first-party developer...
was a team spun off from former EA Sports designers and a studio purchased by Sega Of America.
No Cliché
No Cliché
No Cliché was a French-based game development company who created games for the Dreamcast, lead up by notable French developer Frédérick Raynal...
was a studio purchased by Sega of Europe.
2004–2009
Global Entertainment R&D Division, which was led by Yuji NakaYuji Naka
, is a video game designer and programmer, best known as the former head of Sonic Team, a group of Sega programmers/designers, where he was the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog....
until 2006, is now led by Hiroyuki Miyazaki. "GE" focuses on developing video games for home consoles, handheld consoles and mobile phones. Due to the merger of the U.S. branch of Sonic Team with the rest of Sonic Team in 2008, Global Entertainment R&D Dept. is now led by Takashi Iizuka
Takashi Iizuka (game designer)
is a Japanese game producer, game director, game designer, level designer, scenario writer and currently the head of Sonic Team.-Early career:His first collaboration with Sega involved working with STI on Sonic 3 and Knuckles as a designer. Later, he helped supervise Traveller's Tales with the...
, replacing Akinori Nishiyama.
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entertainment R&D Dept. | Sonic Team Sonic Team is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based... , ST USA Sonic Team is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based... , United Game Artists |
Takashi Iizuka Takashi Iizuka (game designer) is a Japanese game producer, game director, game designer, level designer, scenario writer and currently the head of Sonic Team.-Early career:His first collaboration with Sega involved working with STI on Sonic 3 and Knuckles as a designer. Later, he helped supervise Traveller's Tales with the... |
Feel the Magic: XY/XX Feel the Magic: XY/XX Feel the Magic: XY/XX, known in Japan as and in Europe and Australia as Project Rub, is a minigame video game compilation developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Nintendo DS handheld game console... to Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed , is a video game and the 11th installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms... |
| Mobile Contents Development Dept. | New Studio | Kazunari Tsukamoto | Brain Trainer Portable |
Amusement Software R&D Division which focuses on the development of games for arcade and slot machines. The division is headed by Kazunori Tsukamoto.
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM Software R&D Dept. 1 | WOW Entertainment Wow Entertainment Sega Wow is a Sega video game company, which resulted from the merger of Wow Entertainment and Overworks.-Wow Entertainment:Wow Entertainment was an in-house Sega developer previously known as AM1... + Overworks |
Kazunori Tsukamoto | The House of the Dead 4 The House of the Dead 4 The House of the Dead 4 is a light gun arcade game with a horror theme and the fourth installment of the House of the Dead series of video games, developed by Sega. The game is an interquel and takes place between the events of The House of the Dead 2 and The House of the Dead III, and introduced... (2005), Valkyria Chronicles Valkyria Chronicles is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3. The game was released in 2008.The game is set in Europa, loosely based on Europe in 1935... (2008), Seventh Dragon (2009) |
| AM Software R&D Dept. 2 | Sega-AM2 Sega-AM2 Sega Amusement Machine Research and Development Department 2 is a research and development team for the video game company Sega. Originally known as "Sega Amusement Developing Section 8", AM2 was previously headed up by famed designer Yu Suzuki... |
Hiroshi Kataoka | Virtua Cop 3 Virtua Cop 3 Virtua Cop 3 is the third game from Sega's Virtua Cop franchise.-Background:Virtua Cop 3 is only available in arcades. The game is available in standard and deluxe cabinet formats... , Out Run 2 (2003), Virtua Fighter 5 Virtua Fighter 5 is the latest game in Sega's Virtua Fighter series and direct sequel to Virtua Fighter 4: Final Tuned. The original version was released on July 12, 2006 into Japanese arcades and in February 2007 in European arcades... , After Burner Climax After Burner Climax is a 2006 arcade, combat flight video game developed by Sega-AM2 and published by Sega. The game is the sequel to the popular arcade and console After Burner games... (2006) |
| AM Software R&D Dept. 3 | Hitmaker Hitmaker Sega AM3 is a division of Japanese video game developer Sega Corporation. The development team has produced some popular arcade game and video games, including Virtual On, NASCAR Arcade, Crazy Taxi, Astro Boy: Omega Factor , Virtua Tennis, and the Initial D Arcade Stage series.-History:In 2000, as... + Sega Rosso |
Mie Kumagai Mie Kumagai Mie Kumagai is a Sega video game producer since 1993, and when the previous boss of the Hitmaker development studio Hisao Oguchi was promoted to president of the whole company, Kumagai became the new studio head and the first ever female president within Sega's development structure... |
Virtua Tennis 3 Virtua Tennis 3 Virtua Tennis 3 is the second arcade game sequel to Sega's tennis game franchise, Virtua Tennis. The arcade version of Virtua Tennis 3 is powered by the PC-based Sega Lindbergh arcade system board... (2006), Initial D Arcade Stage 4 Initial D Arcade Stage 4 Initial D Arcade Stage 4 is a racing game developed by Sega Rosso. It is the sequel to Initial D Arcade Stage Ver.3. This version has been heavily updated compared to its predecessors. The game underwent location testing from October 21, 2006 to October 30, 2006 in game centers in Tokyo, Osaka, and... (2007) |
| Family Entertainment R&D Dept. | New Studio | Hiroshi Uemura | Mushiking: King of the Beetles Mushiking: King of the Beetles also called Mushiking: Battle of the Beetles, is a Japanese combination of an arcade game and collectible card game developed by Sega. The game involves battles between cards describing various beetle species... (2003), Oshare Majo: Love and Berry Oshare Majo: Love and Berry is a cross between an arcade game and collectible card game from Sega, targeted toward girls usually between ages six and twelve years. The game was first shown in amusement arcades on October 30, 2004, and becoming very popular among the target market in late 2005 through 2006. Game machines were... (2004), Dinosaur King (2007) |
New Entertainment R&D Division which is led by Yu Suzuki
Yu Suzuki
is a Japanese game designer and producer who has spent his entire career with Sega Enterprises. Often referred to as Sega's answer to Shigeru Miyamoto, he has been responsible for the creation of many of Sega's most important arcade games such as Hang-On, Out Run, After Burner II, Virtua Fighter,...
. "NE" focuses on development of new content for both arcade and consumer markets.
Yu Suzuki's NE#2 R&D has had several name changes from DigitalRex to AM+.
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Entertainment R&D Dept. New Entertainment R&D Dept. Amusement Vision, Ltd. is a former Japanese video game developer formerly known as Sega AM4.Amusement Vision was formed in 2000 and was then considered to be a second-party developer to Sega... |
Amusement Vision + Smilebit | Toshihiro Nagoshi Toshihiro Nagoshi is a Japanese video game producer and designer for Sega. Nagoshi headed Sega AM4/Amusement Vision. He is best known as the producer and director of the Super Monkey Ball series, excluding Super Monkey Ball Adventure. His credits also include Virtua Striker, Daytona USA, and Spikeout... |
Yakuza Yakuza (video game) Yakuza, originally released in Japan as is an action-adventure fighter video game developed and published by Sega in 2005 for the Sony PlayStation 2... series, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is an entry in the Super Monkey Ball series, following Super Monkey Ball Adventure. It is a Wii exclusive and was released as a launch title for the system on November 14, 2006 in North America.-Story:... (2006) |
| New Entertainment R&D Dept. 2. | New Studio | Yu Suzuki Yu Suzuki is a Japanese game designer and producer who has spent his entire career with Sega Enterprises. Often referred to as Sega's answer to Shigeru Miyamoto, he has been responsible for the creation of many of Sega's most important arcade games such as Hang-On, Out Run, After Burner II, Virtua Fighter,... |
Virtua Striker 4 (2005), Psy-Phi Psy-Phi Psy-Phi is a 2006 fighting game developed for the Lindbergh arcade platform by new development studio Digital Rex, a development group within Sega, headed by Yu Suzuki formerly head of Sega-AM2... (Cancelled) (2006), Sega Race TV Sega Race TV Sega Race TV is a racing game for the Sega Lindbergh arcades. It was released in 2008.-Development:This was the only game Yu Suzuki was successfully able to complete after his departure from SEGA-AM2, the other 2 projects that he worked on Psy-Phi & Shenmue Online were never released.SEGA RACE TV... (2008), Shenmue Online Shenmue Online Shenmue Online was an announced MMORPG where players participate in scenarios from Shenmue II, joining one of three clans, led by Shen Hua, Xiu Ying, and Wu Ying Ren, all significant characters from the story.... (Cancelled) |
| Sports Design R&D Dept. | Smilebit + Amusement Vision | Takayuki Kawagoe | Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, known in Japan as , is a sports video game developed by the Sega Sports R&D Department of Sega Japan. It was published by Nintendo for Japan and by Sega for North America, Europe and all other regions. The game is officially licensed by the International Olympic... (2007), Let's Make a J-League Pro Soccer Club series, Let's Make a J-League Baseball Team series |
2009–present
Global Entertainment R&D Division changed its name to Consumer R&D Division, and New Entertainment R&D Division merged with Consumer R&D Division. The division is headed by Hiroyuki Miyazaki. Global Entertainment R&D Division is currently headed by Takashi IizukaTakashi Iizuka (game designer)
is a Japanese game producer, game director, game designer, level designer, scenario writer and currently the head of Sonic Team.-Early career:His first collaboration with Sega involved working with STI on Sonic 3 and Knuckles as a designer. Later, he helped supervise Traveller's Tales with the...
. but New Entertainment R&D Dept. 2. merged into the Sega AM2 from Amusement R&D Division.
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Entertainment R&D Dept. Sonic Team is a Japanese computer and video game developer established in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan in 1990, originally known as Sega AM8. The Japan-based division is also known as G.E. Department Global Entertainment. The studio has collaborated with several in-house Japanese studios as well as other American-based... /Sonic Team |
same as before | Takashi Iizuka Takashi Iizuka (game designer) is a Japanese game producer, game director, game designer, level designer, scenario writer and currently the head of Sonic Team.-Early career:His first collaboration with Sega involved working with STI on Sonic 3 and Knuckles as a designer. Later, he helped supervise Traveller's Tales with the... |
Sonic and the Black Knight Sonic and the Black Knight is a title within the Sonic the Hedgehog series, released exclusively on Wii as the second entry in the Sonic Storybook series, following on from Sonic and the Secret Rings. The game is directed by Tetsu Katano, who was the lead programmer of the Sonic Adventure titles and Sonic Heroes... (2009), Puyo Puyo 7 Puyo Puyo 7 is the seventh installment in the Puyo Puyo series released on Nintendo DS on July 30 and November 26, 2009 for PlayStation Portable and Wii. This game is endorsed by Erika Toda, following on from Sega's use of female Japanese stars to promote the series.... (2009) |
| New Entertainment R&D Dept. New Entertainment R&D Dept. Amusement Vision, Ltd. is a former Japanese video game developer formerly known as Sega AM4.Amusement Vision was formed in 2000 and was then considered to be a second-party developer to Sega... |
same as before | Yakuza 3 Yakuza 3 Yakuza 3 is a PlayStation 3 video game, originally released in Japan as , the sequel to Yakuza 2 and the fourth installment in the Yakuza series. It is developed by Sega Japan's CS1 Team and published by Sega... (2009), Yakuza 4 Yakuza 4 , is a video game developed and published by Sega exclusively for the PlayStation 3. The game was announced on July 24, 2009. A promotion video was presented at the 2009 Tokyo Game Show and a preview presenting the main story was released on January 13, 2010.... (2009) |
|
| Ryu ga Gotoku Studio/Yakuza Studio | Toshihiro Nagoshi Toshihiro Nagoshi is a Japanese video game producer and designer for Sega. Nagoshi headed Sega AM4/Amusement Vision. He is best known as the producer and director of the Super Monkey Ball series, excluding Super Monkey Ball Adventure. His credits also include Virtua Striker, Daytona USA, and Spikeout... |
Binary Domain Binary Domain Binary Domain is an upcoming squad-based third-person shooter video game under development by the newly formed Yakuza Studio. The game is set in Tokyo in the 2080s and will feature innovative enemy AI technology. The creator of Binary Domain is Toshihiro Nagoshi, who created the Yakuza video game... (2012), Yakuza 5 |
|
| Sports Design R&D Dept. | same as before | Takayuki Kawagoe | Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is a 2009 sports video game developed by Sega. It was published by Nintendo for Japan and by Sega for North America and Europe. The game is officially licensed by the International Olympic Committee through exclusive license International Sports Multimedia... (2009) |
| Mobile Contents Development Dept. | same as before | Kazunari Tsukamoto |
Amusement R&D Division which focuses on the development of games for arcade and slot machines. The division is headed by Yukio Sugino (General Manager), Hiroshi Kataoka (General Manager: Amusement Software R&D) and Masao Yoshimoto (General Manager: Amusement Related R&D). and Consumer R&D Division 's New Entertainment R&D Dept. 2. merged into the Sega AM2.
| Department | Members From | Headed By | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM Software R&D Dept. 1 | same as before | Kazunori Tsukamoto | The House of the Dead 4 The House of the Dead 4 The House of the Dead 4 is a light gun arcade game with a horror theme and the fourth installment of the House of the Dead series of video games, developed by Sega. The game is an interquel and takes place between the events of The House of the Dead 2 and The House of the Dead III, and introduced... (Wii Version) |
| AM Software R&D Dept. 2 | same as before | Hiroshi Kataoka | |
| AM Software R&D Dept. 3 | same as before | Mie Kumagai Mie Kumagai Mie Kumagai is a Sega video game producer since 1993, and when the previous boss of the Hitmaker development studio Hisao Oguchi was promoted to president of the whole company, Kumagai became the new studio head and the first ever female president within Sega's development structure... |
|
| Family Entertainment R&D Dept. | same as before | Hiroshi Uemura |
Acquired studios (2005–present)
| Department | Division | Year of purchase/founding | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Creative Assembly | Sega Europe | 2005 | Total War series, Viking Battle for Asgard (2008) |
| Sega Studios Australia | Sega Australia | 2005 | London 2012 |
| Sports Interactive Sports Interactive Sports Interactive Limited is a computer games development company currently based in Old Street, Central London and owned by the Japanese software and video game company Sega. It is the developer of the popular games Football Manager, NHL Eastside Hockey Manager and Championship Manager Quiz, and... |
Sega Europe | 2006 | Football Manager Football Manager Football Manager is a series of football management simulation games developed by Sports Interactive and published by Sega. The game began its life in 1992 as Championship Manager; however, following the break-up of their partnership with original publishers Eidos Interactive, Sports Interactive... series |
Affiliated studios
Sega began acquiring subsidiary studios in 1983, and founding subsidiary studios in 2005. These have been the cornerstone of an internal shift within Sega to appeal to a more Oriental and Western audience.| Studio | History | Notable Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Games | Established August 1, 2006 by former Clover Studio members. | MadWorld MadWorld is a video game developed by Platinum Games and published by Sega. It was released for the Wii on March 10, 2009 in North America, on March 20 in Europe, March 26 in Australia, and February 10 in Japan... (2009) Infinite Space Infinite Space , initially announced as "Infinite Line",. is a science-fiction role-playing game developed by Nude Maker and Platinum Games for the Nintendo DS. It was the third of a four game publishing deal with Sega... (2009) Bayonetta Bayonetta is a hack and slash action game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 developed by Platinum Games in cooperation with publisher Sega. Set in a fictional city in Europe, the game centers on its title character, Bayonetta, who uses pistols and magical attacks to defeat enemies... (2010) Vanquish Vanquish (video game) is a third-person shooter video game developed by Platinum Games and published by Sega for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 video game consoles. The game was released in October 2010, after having been in development since 2007.... (2010) Anarchy Reigns Anarchy Reigns Anarchy Reigns, known in Japan as is an upcoming online beat 'em up game currently in development by Platinum Games. It is their fifth game of their publishing deal with Sega and is being produced by Atsushi Inaba and directed by Masaki Yamanaka... (2012) |
| Prope Prope Prope Ltd. is an independent video game development studio of famed programmer Yuji Naka.-Construct:... |
Established May 23, 2006 by former SEGA employee Yuji Naka. | Let's Tap Let's Tap Let's Tap is a video game developed by Yuji Naka's studio Prope and published by Sega for the Wii console. Along with Let's Catch, Let's Tap was the first game from Prope to be announced. Owners of Let's Tap will be able to unlock content in Let's Catch. The game was later released as five... (2008) |
| Sega Studios San Francisco Sega Studios San Francisco Sega Studios San Francisco, formerly known as Secret Level, was a San Francisco, California based studio owned by Sega.-Secret Level:Before being purchased by Sega, Secret Level was a small boutique studio who created original video games such as Magic: The Gathering - Battlegrounds, ported titles... |
Established in 1999 as Secret Level and Purchased by SEGA in 2006. SEGA Studios San Francisco closed in 2010 | Golden Axe: Beast Rider Golden Axe: Beast Rider Golden Axe: Beast Rider is a third-person action/adventure video game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, published by Sega and developed by Secret Level. It is the first 3D entry in the classic Golden Axe franchise, as well as the first "mature" game in the series... (2008) Iron Man 2 Iron Man 2 (video game) Iron Man 2 is a 2010 video game loosely-based on the film of the same name. It was released on May 4, 2010, days after the film's international release and days before the film's domestic release. The game was published by Sega and developed by Sega Studios San Francisco , High Voltage Software ... (2010) |
| Amuze Amuze Amuze was a video game studio located in Solna, Sweden. The studio was founded in 1996 by John Kroknes and Stefan Holmqvist. Amuze is best known for developing the game Headhunter and its sequel Headhunter Redemption.-Games:... |
Established in 1996 by John Kroknes and Stefan Holmqvist based in Solna Solna Municipality Solna Municipality is a municipality in Stockholm County in east central Sweden, located just north of the capital Stockholm. Its seat is located in the 'city' of Solna.... , Sweden Sweden Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund.... . Amuze is best known for developing the game Headhunter and its sequel both published by Sega. Headhunter Redemption marked the final game by the studio as they would later close down the Stockholm studio after a period of economic hardship. |
Headhunter Headhunter (video game) Headhunter is a video game developed by Amuze for the Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 video game consoles. The Dreamcast version of the game was only distributed in Europe, by BigBen Interactive.... (2001) Headhunter Redemption (2003) |
| Sega Racing Studio Sega Racing Studio Sega Racing Studio was a computer and video game developer established in 2005 for the sole purpose of developing AAA Sega racing titles... |
Established in 2005 and headed by Guy Wilday (based in Solihull Solihull Solihull is a town in the West Midlands of England with a population of 94,753. It is a part of the West Midlands conurbation and is located 9 miles southeast of Birmingham city centre... , England England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental... ) for the sole purpose of developing AAA Sega racing titles. The team was called autonomous from Sega whilst still being part of the organization. On April 8, 2008 Sega announced the closure of Sega Racing Studio, although no reason was specified for the closure it has been assumed it was due to lackluster sales of Sega Rally Revo Sega Rally Revo Sega Rally Revo is an offroad racing video game, the fourth installment of the Sega Rally series. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable on 28 September 2007 in Europe. The game's title is "Revo" as Sega intends it to be a revolution in rally... . On April 25, 2008, Codemasters Codemasters The Codemasters Software Company Limited, or Codemasters is a British video game developer founded by Richard and David Darling in 1986... bought Sega Racing Studio. |
Sega Rally Revo Sega Rally Revo Sega Rally Revo is an offroad racing video game, the fourth installment of the Sega Rally series. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable on 28 September 2007 in Europe. The game's title is "Revo" as Sega intends it to be a revolution in rally... (2007) |
| Sims | Joint venture Joint venture A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets... of Sanritsu Denki Co., Ltd. and Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Sega , usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world... Formed in 1991, SIMS became independent of the Sega group on June 25, 2004, when Representative Director Noboru Machida took over all stock Stock The capital stock of a business entity represents the original capital paid into or invested in the business by its founders. It serves as a security for the creditors of a business since it cannot be withdrawn to the detriment of the creditors... from the veteran game maker. |
Sega Bass Fishing Sega Bass Fishing Sega Bass Fishing is a video game published for arcade, Dreamcast, Windows and Wii. It was first developed in 1997 on the Sega Model 3 hardware.... series, Tails' Skypatrol Tails' Skypatrol is a platform/adventure video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, developed by JSH and published by Sega for Sega Game Gear. It was originally released on April 28, 1995 as an exclusive game to the Japanese market... (1995), Sega Marine Fishing SEGA Marine Fishing Sega Marine Fishing is a fishing simulation game in which the player attempts to catch various marine sport fish. The gameplay's emphasis was on enticing fish to bite onto the lure and then successfully fighting the fish and reeling it to the boat.... (1999), Gain Ground Gain Ground Gain Ground is a 1988 action-strategy arcade game with real-time strategy elements, later ported to the Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, and PC Engine . In 2004, it was re-released in Radica Games' TVPlay Legends Vol. II TV Games compilation. It was remade in the PlayStation 2 title Sega... (2004) |
| Sonic! Software Planning | Became independent of Sega in 1995, dividing between Camelot Camelot Software Planning is a Japanese video game developer established in 1990 under the name Sonic! Software Planning and to date is best known for partnering with Nintendo on many of Nintendo's spin-off franchise games such as Mario Tennis and Mario Golf, as well as the role-playing game series Golden Sun... & Climax Entertainment Climax Entertainment Climax Entertainment is a Japanese video game development company. Climax got its start during the 16-bit era, primarily developing games for the Mega Drive console... . Camelot made Shining games until 1998, but have not collabrated with Sega since Shining Force III Shining Force III is a video game designed for the Sega Saturn by Camelot Software Planning. It is a continuation of the Shining series. Comprising three separate but overlapping storylines, the Japanese version of Shining Force III was released in three volumes, known as:... and have formed a partnership with Nintendo. Climax Entertainment made the last Shining Force spin-off with Sega for the Dreamcast (Time Stalkers Time Stalkers Time Stalkers is a Dreamcast console role-playing game featuring appearances of worlds from several of Climax Entertainment's earlier games in crossover fashion. The player initially takes the role of Sword, a character caught in a world made of many worlds... ) in 2000, but have not collabrated with Sega since. |
Shining series & Spin-Off's |
| Nextech | Formerly known as GAU Entertainment and Nextech, is a Japanese video game developer. The company usually does not market or publish the games it develops, instead they primarily develop games for other companies on a contract basis. Their clients include Sega Sega , usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world... , Capcom Capcom is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its... , Namco Namco is a Japanese corporation best known as a former video game developer and publisher. Following a merger with Bandai in September 2005, the two companies' game production assets were spun off into Namco Bandai Games on March 31, 2006. Namco Ltd. was re-established to continue domestic operation of... , Takara Takara Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006 to form Takara Tomy, also known in English as TOMY Company Ltd.... , Taito Taito Corporation The is a Japanese publisher of video game software and arcade hardware wholly owned by publisher Square Enix. Taito has their headquarters in the Shinjuku Bunka Quint Building in Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo, sharing the facility with its parent company.... , Atlus Atlus is a Japanese computer and video game developer, publisher, and distributor based in Tokyo, Japan, best known for developing the console role-playing game franchise Megami Tensei. The first Megami Tensei was a Nintendo Entertainment System video game published by Namco based on a trilogy of... , and Square Enix Square Enix is a Japanese video game and publishing company best known for its console role-playing game franchises, which include the Final Fantasy series, the Dragon Quest series, and the action-RPG Kingdom Hearts series... . Nex Entertainment was originally founded as GAU Entertainment. Two years afterwards, the company merged into Nextech, which was eventually bought by Sega in 1997. Nex Entertainment emerged as a third-party developer in 2003. |
Ranger-X (1993), Crusader of Centy Crusader of Centy Crusader of Centy is an action RPG game that was released on the Mega Drive/Genesis. The story centers on Corona, a boy who has just turned 14 years of age. It is time for him to inherit his father's sword and fight the "monsters" that threaten the human race's very existence, attaining animals... (1994), Cyber Speedway Cyber Speedway Cyber Speedway is a 1995 racing video game developed by NexTech and published by Sega for the Sega Saturn console.... (1995), Dream Studio (2000), Shining Soul Shining Soul is an action role-playing game for the Game Boy Advance. It is part of the Shining series. The game was followed by a sequel, Shining Soul II, in 2003... series |
| Blue Sky Software | Blue Sky Software was an American software company situated in California and formed in 1988. The company had a successful run for 12 years before closing down in March 2001, when parent company Interplay was in financial trouble. | Vectorman Vectorman Vectorman is a series of run and gun platform games developed by BlueSky Software and published by Sega for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was released on October 24, 1995 in North America and on November 30, 1995 in Europe... (1995), Vectorman 2 (1996), The Little Engine That Could The Little Engine That Could (film) The Little Engine that Could is a 1991 animated film directed by Dave Edwards and co-produced by Edwards and Mike Young, animated at Kalato Animation in Wales and co-financed by Universal Studios through their MCA/Universal Home Video arm and S4C, Wales' dedicated Welsh-language channel. It was... (2010) |
| RED Entertainment Red Entertainment is a video game developer based in Japan. Formerly known as since is foundation in 1976 , it was reorganized under its current moniker on December 4, 2000... |
Founded in 1976 as Red Company. Bought by Sega in 2002, became independent again in November 2005 in a management buy-out. In 2011, Red Entertainment was bougth by chinese company called UltiZenGames. | Sakura Taisen Sakura Wars is a Japanese media franchise created by Ouji Hiroi, and is developed and owned by Sega and licensed by Red Entertainment and Sega. The franchise centers on a series of dramatic fantasy and science-fantasy tactical role-playing adventure video games, which consist of tactical wargame and dating sim... series, Gungrave Gungrave is a PlayStation 2 third-person shooter video game developed by Red Entertainment and published by Sega. The game debuted on July 17, 2002 in Japan, September 16, 2002 in North America and November 29, 2002 in the United Kingdom... series |
| Megasoft (formerly Whiteboard, Santos) | Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, released in Japan as , is an action game developed and published by Sega for the Mega Drive/Genesis console that was released in 1993.It is the direct sequel of the 1989 game The Revenge of Shinobi... , Aa Harimanada [MD] (1993) |
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| Access Games Access Games Access Games is a Japanese videogames development studio based in Osaka, Japan. The studio was founded on the 16th of January 2002. Former members of development teams including Kojima Productions and Deep Space who developed Extermination joined shortly after Access Games was founded... |
Spy Fiction Spy Fiction (video game) Spy Fiction is a stealth-based video game by Access Games, Sammy Studios and Sega, released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2.The game is promoted as "stealth action inspired by genre-defined espionage classics" and gives players the ability to disguise themselves as any character in the game... (2003) |
External studios
| Multimedia Studio | Jurassic Park (1992), Wild Woody Wild Woody Wild Woody is a game released by Sega of America for the Sega CD in 1995, just before the discontinuance of the system. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board gave the title a "Kids To Adults" rating. Upon its initial release, the game quickly went into the bargain bins... (1995) |
| Sega Midwest Development Division/ Sega Midwest Studio | Aftershock (unreleased), NHL All-Star Hockey '95 (1995), World Heroes World Heroes is a series of fighting games created by ADK originally created for the Neo Geo MVS arcade cabinets with the assistance of SNK, though some of the games in the series were also ported to the Neo Geo AES and Neo-Geo CD platforms, as well as some non-SNK platforms such as the Super NES and the Sega... (1994) |
| Sega Studios China | Partially involved in Project Altered Beast Project Altered Beast Project Altered Beast, also known as Altered Beast in Europe and in Japan, is a 2005 action/adventure, beat 'em up video game for the PlayStation 2. The game is a modern take on the original 1988 arcade game Altered Beast... (2005), Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 game) Sonic the Hedgehog is a 2006 platform video game for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 that was made to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise... (2006), Nights Remake Version NiGHTS into Dreams... Nights into Dreams... , is a video game released by Sega in 1996 for the Sega Saturn video game system. The game's story follows two children entering a dream world, where they are aided by the main character, Nights... , Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed Sonic Unleashed , is a video game and the 11th installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog series developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for multiple platforms... (2008) |