SEGA confirms five retro franchises are returning with new games

SEGA makes a surprise announcement at The Game Awards 2023, and it could tie into the publisher's ambitious new Super Game business model.

SEGA is cooking up something special. The company announced not one, not two, but five games at TGA'23. The news is especially exciting for old-school fans who grew up with SEGA's outrageous games--the publisher is reaching far back into its legacy catalog.

The publisher confirmed that new games in five classic franchises are currently in development, including Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage. This aligns with previous reports of a Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio game becoming part of SEGA's Super Game initiative, a new concept that emphasizes online multiplayer, digital engagement, and long-term earnings (think live service games).

2

It's unknown whether or not these games will be part of SEGA's Super Game plans, but if they are, it's possible that SEGA is ramping up to build a kind of Games-as-a-Platform launcher/gateway that serves up entries into multiple live games.

There's not much actual info on the Super Game strategy outside of somewhat-vague descriptors from executive management, but it's possible that SEGA could try to leverage its franchises in a cohesively-packaged format similar to Fortnite's new Lego, racing, and music modes.

The announcement was made in a new SEGA marketing campaign with the moniker Power the Next Level:

New Era, New Energy! Just announced at this year's The Game Awards - new games now in development, including Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Shinobi, and Golden Axe. Sign up for the SEGA newsletter to stay up to date on the latest development news.

SEGA has also released the following press release regarding this announcement:

- Tonight at The Game Awards 2023, one of the largest annual video game industry events in the world, SEGA of America unveiled an initiative to produce brand new titles from the publisher's treasure trove of beloved IP. New games are currently in development for five of the company's legacy franchises: Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi and Streets of Rage - all reimagined for modern audiences.

"In recent years, Sonic the Hedgehog has forged new paths for SEGA, bringing the franchise to life and reaching new audiences in ways we had only dreamed of in the past. Building off that success, we are digging into our legacy and reimagining several franchises to bring these games to more audiences around the globe," says Co-COO of SEGA Corporation and CEO of SEGA of America, Shuji Utsumi.

"Today's announcement is just the start of our initiative. First and foremost, our ambition will be to create great games with memorable characters and worlds. We hope fans of all ages will look towards our future with anticipation as we release these projects in the coming years."

The upcoming projects, spanning a range of genres, are currently in different stages of development and will release over the next several years. The first of these games will be based on the following legacy franchises:

• Crazy Taxi franchise - A whacky, high-octane driving adventure series where players must weave through traffic in an open play environment to deliver passengers to their destinations before time runs out.

• Golden Axe franchise - A "hack and slash"-style series with close melee combat set in a fantasy world of beasts, swords, and magic.

• Jet Set Radio franchise - This franchise combines action packed traversal around vibrant Tokyoto with skating, self-expression through graffiti, street culture and rebellious themes.

• Shinobi franchise - A series that utilizes ninja shuriken, ninjutsu, special attacks and more to defeat enemies in a mix of side-scrolling action and challenging environments.

• Streets of Rage franchise - A "beat 'em up"-style series that pairs fast-paced fist fighting with fresh music set in a lawless urban environment.