Additional details on Sega's new development studio structure

Mainichi Interactive has revealed additional details on Sega's development studio reorganization. Under Sega's new studio structure, Sonic Team (Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star Online) and United Game Artists (Rez, Space Channel 5) will be merged to develop mainstream titles that are aimed at casual gamers. Hitmaker (Virtual On, Crazy Taxi) and Sega Rosso (Sega Rally, NASCAR arcade) will be merged to work on developing on new platforms. Wow Entertainment (House of the Dead, Vampire Night) and Overworks (Shinobi, Sakura Wars) will be merged to develop games on next-generation consoles that are aimed at audiences of all ages. Amusement Vision (F-Zero AX, Super Monkey Ball) and Smilebit (Jet Set Radio) will be merged to develop games that notably utilize movie scenes. Sega-AM2 will remain intact and continue to develop titles for hard-core audiences.

As reported earlier, a new studio dedicated to the development of sport games will also be established, consisting of staff taken from Amusement Vision and Smilebit. In addition, Yu Suzuki will become the president of another newly established studio that will be focused on the development of major titles. Sega also will create a company that will be dedicated to managing all the development studios and their financial resources.