All articles tagged with #transmedia
SEGA says Sonic is a symbol that drives the company's broader IP strategy, but it missed its goal of globally expanding Sonic-related titles and the latest Sonic game didn’t meet sales expectations; the company will add selling power to each title, even as Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds sales were disappointing, with DLC plans (Godzilla and Evangelion) still on the horizon.
Sega Sammy’s 2023 $776 million purchase of Rovio to leverage Angry Birds and Beacon tech has produced a $200 million impairment, with profitability falling short of forecasts. Analysts attribute slower mobile growth, higher user-acquisition costs, and the lingering effects of Apple’s ATT, arguing that merely owning a mature IP isn’t enough in today’s market. Rovio is set to rebuild and pursue a broader transmedia strategy with new IP, while Sega reassesses how to monetize the brand and integrate Rovio’s tech, emphasizing cross-media, platform partnerships, and expanding beyond Angry Birds.
Sega unveiled Sega Universe, a transmedia initiative to revive and expand its classic IP beyond video games into film, music, fashion, and more. The first phase centers on 2026 anniversary celebrations for nine titles, with no specific projects announced yet. The effort is part of a broader strategy to keep older IP alive across generations, led by a dedicated transmedia head, and follows prior hints of new Streets of Rage and other classic properties.
SEGA president Shuji Utsumi expressed disappointment with Sonic Superstars, citing it did not meet expectations despite being generally well-received by players. The game's release coincided with other major titles, impacting its performance. SEGA is focusing on integrating games and movies, with upcoming projects like Sonic X Shadow Generations and a new Sonic movie aiming to enhance the franchise's transmedia presence.
Absurd Ventures, the new transmedia company founded by Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser, has announced its first two projects. "American Caper" will begin as a graphic novel and follows two dysfunctional American families in a world of corruption and crime. "A Better Paradise" is an audio fiction series, described as an existential suspense thriller set in the near future. Houser, known for his work on successful titles like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, left Rockstar in 2020 to establish Absurd Ventures, which aims to create new universes and tell great stories across various mediums.