Sammy and Sega: The Nightmare Begins
Disheartening news today as the inevitable happens in Tokyo: Sammy takes effective control over Sega Corporation. Full details.
Sega fans will be worried today as ultimate control of the corporation lands comfortably in the hands of Sammy's President, Hajime Satome. It is a rather dreadful situation for Sega and its fans, viewed by insiders as a hostile takeover, but for the time being there is still good news for fans - more on this in a moment.
The Scene: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Executive TowerThe fifth floor of Tokyo's Shinagawa Prince Hotel was the setting at the shareholders' meeting today, which saw the swift and immediately effective appointment of Sammy's Hajime Satome as Chairman and Representative Director on the board at Sega. Former Hitmaker president Hisao Oguchi remains President and Representative Director at Sega, but Satome is the one with ultimate control over the way Sega Corporation operates as of today.
 |
| Trouble: Sega Corporation |
The unnerving events follow Sammy's purchase of a gigantic 22.4% stake in Sega Corporation late last year, directly from CSK Corporation, which had wanted to chuck its blue stock for some time.
Sources point towards a Sammy strategy that sees rapid expansion in the Japanese and international arcade marketplace, including Pachinko machines and the Atomiswave, an arcade platform built from 'leftover' Dreamcast components. It is thought that Sammy's interest in Sega stems entirely from the massive arcade floor space across the world, into which Atomiswave products can be rolled out and operate on a highly profitable basis.
 |
| Threatened: Current Sega President, Hisao Oguchi |
Satome's aggressive approach towards an alliance with Sega was underlined last year when he commented, "If our vision does not agree with that of Sega then we might have to consider taking more shares." But it was also revealed last Friday that Sammy plans to release bonds to the tune of $380 million to pay off debts arising from the purchase of Sega stock - which casts further doubt over the entire situation.
 |
| Studios like Yu Suzuki's Digital Rex are still making the games fans want, but for how long? |
We will keep you fully updated on the situation with Sega and Sammy, which is more than can be said for either of the two corporations in question - the former's pants rapidly filling up, and the latter thinking it is too clever to have to tell anyone what it's doing in an honest fashion.
Director, Kikizo.com
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare