SEGA is continuing to make drastic moves within the company following significant financial losses.
It’s been revealed that nearly all of SEGA’s European and Australian offices will be shut down in the very near future.
Although SEGA UK will still act as the main European HQ, Koch Media will handle distribution of most European retail titles going forward. Level03 Distribution is being brought on to take care of products in Benelux. 5 Star will distribute future titles in Australia.
COO of Sega Europe Jurgen Post said in a statement:
“SEGA is entering a new and exciting phase that will position the company as a content led organisation maximising sales with strong and balanced IP such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager and the Aliens franchise. The company will benefit from a clear focus and realigned strategy for our digital business and packaged goods and we are confident that this will lead to a successful future.”
Last night in Japan, Nintendo held its annual shareholder’s meeting. While there wasn’t a ton of significant information about the Wii U and 3DS, president Satoru Iwata did share a few small tidbits.
We’ve posted details from the event below. Head past the break for information on third-parties, the possibility of additional 3DS models (not happening!), female staff at Nintendo, Iwata’s thoughts on a paid online service, and news about the creator of Seaman getting a fine (really!).
On this week’s episode: Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, demos, Prince of Persia (GBC), Rayman (GBC) and Colors! 3D.
3DS Downloadable Titles
Etrian Odyssey IV DEMO – FREE
Taiko no Tatsujin: Chibi Dragon to Fushigi na Orb DEMO – FREE
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy DEMO – FREE
Virtual Console
Ganbare Goemon Sarawareta Ebisu Maru (Game Boy) – 400 yen
IN THE WAKE OF VAMPIRE (Master of Darkness, Game Gear) – 300 yen
Video Content
Nintendo Direct presentation
Game Center CX featuring Kirby’s Dream Collection
New Super Mario Bros. 2 gameplay footage
Dragon Quest X presentation,
Bravely Default trailer
AKB48 + Me trailer
Streaming trailer for Little Battlers eXperience Explosive Boost
Streaming trailer for Etrian Odyssey IV
Streaming trailer for Calcio Bit
Streaming trailer for Taiko Drum Master 3DS
Streaming trailer for Culdcept
Etrian Odyssey IV downloadable trailer
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers downloadable trailer
E.X. Troopers downloadable trailer
Samurai Warriors: Chronicle 2nd downloadable trailer
Lost Heroes downloadable trailer
The common hope among UK retailers is that Wii U will be priced at £250 this holiday season. However, one senior publisher confidently believes it “will definitely be less than £249”.
A number of retailers weighed in on the Wii U’s launch, including Play.com games buyer Keith Sharpe. Sharpe feels that Nintendo must learn from the 3DS’ debut.
Even though Gamescom isn’t taking place for another couple of months, Konami has already gone ahead and announced its lineup for this year’s show.
We’ve posted the full list of games below. For the official announcement, head past the break.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
PES 2013
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate
EA Sports has offered a more specific timeframe for its upcoming Wii U game announcements. The publisher has set a mid-July date, meaning something official should be said within the next couple of weeks or so.
It’s unclear if other EA divisions will be making announcements. If not, Mass Effect 3 will be the only non-sports title coming from the company during the Wii U’s first few months on the market.
