Today, Sega has debuted a newSega Account systemwith supported Sega and Atlus titles, starting withLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. This account system, similar to other account systems from major publishers and developers, encourages users to integrate in exchange for in-game rewards and enhanced functionality.
In its early stage, this is still limited toPirate Yakuza’s in-game reward (a legacy main series costume for that game’s amnesiac side story). Still, the account system may become fundamental to certain in-game functionalities, like cross-platform online play, as with other account systems. For now, it seems incredibly optional, though.
In any case, it is interesting to see Sega develop an account system, particularly given the ever-shifting nature of the games market. At the very least, this implies that most or all future Sega and Atlus releases will involvethis account functionality. Still, it could also mean that Sega is looking toward creating far more interconnected online gaming experiences.
While Sega isn’t the console industry giant it used to be, it’s still a substantial publisher and developer of numerous beloved game franchises. These includeSonic the HedgehogandLike a Dragon (Yakuza)and the recently announced returns ofJet Set RadioandVirtua Fighter. Sega also owns Atlus' entire catalog of seminal JRPGs, including theShin Megami Tenseiseries and its more popularPersonasub-series.
That phrasing is generally innocuous, but “maximize Sega’s online services” and creating a dedicated account system suggest that Sega could have grander goals in mind. Maybe aPhantasy Star Onlinerevival? Is there some PlayStation Plus-styled free games membership deal? In this early stage, it’s impossible to say for sure. However, Sega and its umbrella of developers still seem quite ambitious despite Dreamcast’s discontinuation in March 2001, about 24 years ago at the time of writing.
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Christopher Harper has been a successful freelance tech writer specializing in PC hardware and gaming since 2015, and ghostwrote for various B2B clients in High School before that. Outside of work, Christopher is best known to friends and rivals as an active competitive player in various eSports (particularly fighting games and arena shooters) and a purveyor of music ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Killer Mike to the Sonic Adventure 2 soundtrack.
