‘No old, stay gold’: Sega launches Sega Universe, a project designed to revive its older IP beyond games

Sega promises “film, music, fashion and even further forms of entertainment”…

Sega's new project, Sega Universe, aims to revive its older IP beyond games, with plans to expand into film, music, fashion, and other forms of entertainment. The company has not disclosed a specific budget for the project, but it has announced that it will be working with various partners to bring its classic titles to new mediums. Sega's statement in Japan mentioned that the project will focus on titles that are still loved by fans, but did not provide a list of specific IPs that will be included. The project's tagline, "no old, stay gold", suggests that Sega is committed to preserving the legacy of its classic titles.

The launch of Sega Universe could lead to an increase in licensing fees for Sega's IP, which could result in higher costs for consumers who purchase merchandise or watch films based on Sega's classic titles. For example, if Sega licenses its Sonic the Hedgehog IP for a film, the cost of tickets or merchandise could be higher due to the licensing fees. This could affect the average household's entertainment budget, potentially leading to a decrease in discretionary spending on entertainment. The impact of this increase will depend on the specific terms of the licensing agreements.

Sega's decision to launch Sega Universe is part of a larger trend in the entertainment industry, where companies are looking to expand their IP beyond traditional mediums. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for content and the need for companies to diversify their revenue streams. Insiders know that Sega has been exploring ways to monetize its IP for several years, and the launch of Sega Universe is a significant step in this effort. The success of similar projects, such as Nintendo's expansion into film and television, has likely influenced Sega's decision to launch Sega Universe.

Sega is expected to announce its first partnerships for Sega Universe in the coming weeks, with a potential announcement at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show. The company will likely provide more details on the specific IPs that will be included in the project and the types of entertainment that will be produced. One surprising detail is that Sega has already filed trademarks for several of its classic IPs, including Virtua Fighter and Crazy Taxi, suggesting that these titles may be among the first to be included in the project.