Sega AM4

From Sega Retro

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Sega AM4
Division of Sega Enterprises
Founded: 1991
Defunct: 1999
Headquarters:
Japan
1999

Amusement Machine Research and Development Department #4(第四AM研究開発部), commonly known as AM R&D Dept. #4 or AM4, was a research and development division within Sega. The AM4 name was adopted in 1990 after the internal AM and CS teams were separated, and its attraction and medal game personnel broke off into the Sega AM5 and Sega AM6 units. It was previously known as R&D4.

Unlike Sega AM1, Sega AM2 and Sega AM3, Sega AM4 was responsible for the creation of arcade cabinet hardware, and thus outside of an advisory role had no influence in the development of video game software. During the development process, the three main AM divisions would typically first provide a 50% complete build of their titles for AM4 personnel to examine and base a cabinet off of.[1]

Though AM4 most often created cabinets to house the three software-focused AM divisions' produce, it would make projects of its own and with others too; their UFO Catcher and Print Club lines in particular became large successes for Sega and popularised their machine types in Japan. The division also collaborated with its former AM5 and 6 colleagues again on some occasions.

Ultimately, AM4 created the vast majority of arcade machines sold by Sega in the 1990s. Its credits remain inconsistent however, with it sometimes being credited and other times not, receiving less recognition than the three main AM divisions as a result.[1]

AM4 merged with AM6 in 1999, and continued its role as Sega Mechatro.

Sections

  • Planning Section (プランニングセクション)[2]

Softography before AM4

World Derby BD

UFO BD

Dedicated

Multi-purpose arcade cabinets

Softography



Royal Ascot BD

Western Dream BD

X Board

Bingo Party BD/M1

Castle Coaster BD

G-MAIN/M1

C-GAL/Sega Titan Video

UFO BD

Dream Catcher BD

UFO BD EX

EX BD

Sega System C

Sega System 16B

Y Board

Sega Titan Video

Sega H1 Board

Dedicated

Multi-purpose arcade cabinets

List of staff

Magazine articles

Main article: Sega AM4/Magazine articles.

References


Timeline of Sega of Japan research and development divisions








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