Sega to Acquire Visual Concepts

Sega is accelerating its purchase of Visual Concepts, the San Rafael developer currently working on games for Sega's Dreamcast. The deal to acquire Visual Concepts, initially announced in September 1997, will take effect immediately and will give Sega full control of the prolific software company. In conjunction with the acquisition, president of Visual Concepts, Gregory A. Thomas, will be appointed vice president of product development for Sega of America.

Visual Concepts is best known for creating the top-selling hockey game of 1997, NHL Hockey '97, which was published by Electronic Arts. The company's other hit titles include Madden NFL '94, Madden '95, Clay Fighter, Taz-Mania, and NBA Action `98.

"This is a significant acquisition for Sega,'' said Bernard Stolar, president and COO of Sega of America. "We are looking to further expand development for Sega Dreamcast titles here in the United States. The Visual Concepts deal gives us instant access to an incredible pool of game development talent that has a proven track record for creating winners.''

Visual Concepts' first Dreamcast games, currently titled NFL 2000 and NBA 2000, are slated for release this fall along with the system.