Sega Finishes GameWorks Acquisition, Tries U.S. Arcade Comeback Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc has announced that it has purchased the assets of Glendale, Calif-headquartered high-profile North American arcade chain GameWorks L.L.C. GameWorks itself was formed in 1996, and was co-owned by Sega Enterprises and Universal Studios up to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in March 2004, at which point the company cited high rents at its facilities as a reason to re-organize. The company is notable as one of only a handful of arcade game-related chains still operating in the relatively struggling North America market, despite the continuing strength of game arcades in Japan. According to Sega, it has already launched a transformation strategy, which includes deploying new video game product, as well as expanding elements of the 'location-based entertainment' brand beyond video games, and "expanding its signature Arena Sports Bar & Grill concept across numerous locations." In fact, the formation of Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc (SEUI) is part of Sega Corporation's strategic plan to expand its business in the United States. Prior to the formation of SEUI, Sega primarily focused on consumer business, manufacturing and sales of video game product. To lead the new venture, SEUI appointed former Coca-Cola veteran and food and beverage executive, Ben Kitay to be its president and COO. Although part of Sega's new plans clearly lie outside of gaming, one of the more interesting parts of the plan is the company's deployment of new Sega arcade games in a number of its facilities. Most North American arcades have not had significantly updated titles for a number of years now, and so Sega's note that in four months, SEUI has installed more than 15 new game titles, totaling over 300 units in its properties nationwide is a welcome change. A recent press release reveals that beetle simulator Mushiking is among them, as is horse racing simulator Derby Owners Club, a big hit overseas.
Tgat Mushi King Sega game is bloody everywhere in Japan !! Not only in arcades but in shopping centers and get this, even in bento places !!!! I had to take my nephew to Sega world about 2 months ago. The little sod had me sitting there for 2 hours while he played the game. Yakumo
I don't get that mushiking game either. There is also a DBZ version, which is about as interesting. ie, not very. Could be the next pokemon....
I was all mega pumped as I read that little bit...and then it got to the end where it mentioned the games Sega is putting out...and we got a "beetle simulator" (which apparently is really popular...so that is good....and I very much like the idea of the next Pokemon coming from Sega) and "Derby Owner's Club" which is a hit overseas... Those games are always a hit overseas and never here. When was the last time you saw a horse racing simulator in a US arcade?
