Sega's presence in America
Enviado: 12 Set 2025, Sex, 20:14
Sega's presence in America started with its 1940s Japanese operations and expanded significantly after its 1969 acquisition by Gulf+Western, leading to the 1974 establishment of Sega Enterprises, Inc. in Los Angeles to import games and develop arcade and home titles. After the arcade business declined and assets were sold in 1983, Sega re-entered the American home market with Sega of America, Inc. in 1986, focusing on the Sega Master System and later the successful Sega Genesis.
Early Days (Pre-1983)
Origin of the Name:
The Sega name originated from American companies, Service Games and David Rosen's company, which merged in Japan in the mid-1960s
Gulf+Western Acquisition:
In 1969, Gulf and Western Industries acquired the Japanese company. This allowed Sega to expand its presence in the US
Sega Enterprises, Inc. (1974):
A US branch was established in Los Angeles to import Japanese arcade games and produce its own.
Expansion:
The division acquired Gremlin Industries to increase production capacity and break into the American arcade market. It also began developing arcade ports for the early home market
Downturn and Sale:
The arcade business declined in the early 1980s, and Sega Electronics (the US division) sold its assets to Bally Midway in 1983.
Re-Entry and Dominance (1986-1990s)
Sega of America, Inc. (1986):
A new entity, Sega of America, Inc., was formed to market the Sega Master System and eventually become Sega's primary North American base
Success of the Sega Genesis:
This era saw the immense success of the Sega Genesis console, which competed directly with Nintendo and established Sega as a major player in the console market
Hardware Add-ons:
Sega continued to innovate with add-ons like the Sega CD and 32X, though these were met with mixed success and ultimately didn't stop the rise of competitors like the Sony PlayStation
Technological Innovation:
Sega also explored other avenues, including the Sega Channel subscription service in 1994, which delivered games via cable
Later Years and Transition
Consolidation:
After the introduction of the Saturn and the subsequent decline of its console business, Sega sold most of its console hardware assets
Focus on Software:
Sega has since focused on software development for various platforms, including PC and mobile, while maintaining its presence in arcades and theme parks.
Current Status:
Sega of America is now headquartered in Irvine, California, and remains responsible for Sega Corporation's North American operations, serving as a key subsidiary in the company's global structure.
Early Days (Pre-1983)
Origin of the Name:
The Sega name originated from American companies, Service Games and David Rosen's company, which merged in Japan in the mid-1960s
Gulf+Western Acquisition:
In 1969, Gulf and Western Industries acquired the Japanese company. This allowed Sega to expand its presence in the US
Sega Enterprises, Inc. (1974):
A US branch was established in Los Angeles to import Japanese arcade games and produce its own.
Expansion:
The division acquired Gremlin Industries to increase production capacity and break into the American arcade market. It also began developing arcade ports for the early home market
Downturn and Sale:
The arcade business declined in the early 1980s, and Sega Electronics (the US division) sold its assets to Bally Midway in 1983.
Re-Entry and Dominance (1986-1990s)
Sega of America, Inc. (1986):
A new entity, Sega of America, Inc., was formed to market the Sega Master System and eventually become Sega's primary North American base
Success of the Sega Genesis:
This era saw the immense success of the Sega Genesis console, which competed directly with Nintendo and established Sega as a major player in the console market
Hardware Add-ons:
Sega continued to innovate with add-ons like the Sega CD and 32X, though these were met with mixed success and ultimately didn't stop the rise of competitors like the Sony PlayStation
Technological Innovation:
Sega also explored other avenues, including the Sega Channel subscription service in 1994, which delivered games via cable
Later Years and Transition
Consolidation:
After the introduction of the Saturn and the subsequent decline of its console business, Sega sold most of its console hardware assets
Focus on Software:
Sega has since focused on software development for various platforms, including PC and mobile, while maintaining its presence in arcades and theme parks.
Current Status:
Sega of America is now headquartered in Irvine, California, and remains responsible for Sega Corporation's North American operations, serving as a key subsidiary in the company's global structure.