Sega's Financial Performance Improves Thanks to Better Game Sales

Sega has detailed its financial performance for the six months ending September 30, reporting an increasing in both sales and operating income. This improvement was, in part, attributed to better performance of its software.

Sales for the period were cited as $1.6 billion, which is a nine percent increase over the same period in 2015. Operating income, meanwhile, was $148 million, which represents a significant upturn when compared to the $55 million it reported in 2015.

Discussing its video game business, Sega said Phantasy Star Online 2 topped 4.5 million accounts in Japan and "continues to maintain its strength." Sales of mobile titles Puyopuyo!! Quest, Chain Chronicle - Kizuna no Shintairiku, and Hortensia Saga "remained robust."

Sales of packaged games were described as "higher than the level for the same period in the previous fiscal year," in Sega's accompanying statement. In total, the company sold 4.5 million copies of packaged games and although it didn't break down specific numbers for its titles, it said Persona 5's sales were "strong." Sega is the owner of Persona developer Atlus.

Looking ahead, Sega said "expectations are rising for future expansion" in the packaged games market. This, it says, is due to the penetration of next-generation consoles. Additionally, Sega has developed a large market for PC games in Europe, the US, and Asia.

At San Diego Comic-Con, Sega announced two new Sonic games to celebrate the iconic character's 25th anniversary. The first game, titled Sonic Mania, reimagines levels from the series' history. The second is an untitled game that stars classic and modern versions of Sonic in a new adventure against Eggman.

Sonic Mania releases for PS4, Xbox One, and PC in spring 2017. The unnamed second Sonic title will launch in holiday 2017 on PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch.