Sega Interview - PC gaming is changing

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PC gaming is changing – and so is Sega

It’s certainly an exciting time for PC gaming, and with ever more powerful hardware coming out, alongside new game streaming services launching, it looks like there could be a revolution in PC gaming – and Sega is ready for it.

“It’s such an exciting time right now,” observes Anna Downing. “We recently announced that Football Manager 2020 will be on Google Stadia, and we have Football Manager 19 announced for Microsoft Xbox Game Pass. So, for us, it's a really exciting time, and certainly for the PC market.”

What’s particularly exciting for Sega, according to Downing, is how these new game streaming services are allowing publishers to get their games in the hands of people who may not have been able to play them previously. “There were many great opportunities that are now on the table for us where we can reach consumers where, potentially, we've not had the opportunity to previously.”

Bringing Football Manager 19 to Xbox Game Pass for PC, Microsoft’s subscription service, seems to be a particularly big win for both Microsoft and Sega due to both the popularity of the franchise, and the rapid growth of Microsoft’s service, which has been getting plaudits from both gamers and reviewers thanks to the sheer value for money it offers – where for a flat monthly fee, subscribers have access to hundreds of PC games for as long as they subscribe. It could really change the way PC gamers pay for and play their games.

Downing agrees. “Yeah, absolutely. I think Microsoft launched with a fantastic offer. So, you know, the more people that that can get on board initially, I think it sets itself up really well for the future. And as I said, hopefully for us it opens up opportunities to reach a broader audience and new consumers.”

Downing has been working on Football manager, which she calls a “phenomenal franchise to be associated with,” for 11 years now – and has seen how Sega’s involvement with such a beloved franchise, and its committed fans, has benefitted both the company and gamers.

It’s something Sega has also noticed with its other huge PC game franchise, Total War, which seems to be going from strength to strength with each new release. “Again, it’s just a very popular brand,” notes Dale. “We have a very strong worldwide core audience with that game. Plus, the different types of iterations we put out always get a very strong, reception. We've just launched Total War Three Kingdoms, and that's one of the best launches we've ever had on a Total War game.”

“Yes, we sold through a million units quite early on in the life cycle,” adds Downing. “Leading up to its actual launch, it was our highest pre-ordered Total War game. And, once the game was actually released, the momentum maintained.”

What’s particularly noticeable about Total War is its global appeal. “We've seen fantastic sales, predominantly from the Asian market,” states Downing, “as the content of the game resonated really well with those territories.”