Press release: 2000-02-09: Sega To Release First Online Multiplayer Game for Sega Dreamcast Network Earlier Than Expected

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2000

Sega Makes History With First Fully Networked Videogame "Chu Chu Rocket" Shipping In March, Completing Phase Four of Sega's Online Strategy

Continuing to drive the future of console gaming, Sega(R) of America announced today that on March 2, 2000 the first fully networked multiplayer videogame will launch on the Sega Dreamcast(TM) Network -- three months earlier than expected. "Chu Chu Rocket(TM)," a puzzle/action game by the renowned Sonic Team, will be the first of many online titles available in 2000 for the Sega Dreamcast Network, which is accessible only via the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast videogame console. Sega is now only one phase away from offering consumers full 3D multiplayer games and the re-launch of the Sega Dreamcast Network, which will be the ultimate online videogaming destination. Additional networked first- and third-party Sega Dreamcast titles, will follow throughout the year.

Almost 45 million online gamers in Europe and the US will be using Internet-enabled consoles by 2004, compared with 28 million people playing online through their PCs(1). Sega Dreamcast is the only next generation videogame console that comes fully equipped with an upgradable 56K modem and its own online gaming network -- the Sega Dreamcast Network. Since the system's launch on 9-9-99, Sega has been 100% committed to expanding the gameplay experience for consumers via this network. Sega has been rolling out a phased online strategy, gradually making available e-mail, chat, new downloadable gameplay elements and e-mail based games via the Network. Now, for the first time in videogame history, consumers via Sega Dreamcast will be able to play fully networked multiplayer games through a console.

Sega announced last month that Sega Dreamcast had reached a sell-through milestone of more than 1.5 million units in North America since its launch on September 9, 1999. This significant figure came three months ahead of corporate predictions and just 30 days after the company announced sales had reached the one million units sold mark. Sega's record-breaking sell-through is attributed not only to the great game library available, but to the future that consumers see with the platform and the Sega Dreamcast Network.

With the Sega Dreamcast Network, Sega is effectively creating the world's largest gaming community. Sega's vision is to provide console gamers with a "hassle free" online gaming experience where consumers pop in a GD-ROM, click on a button and are instantly immersed in a highly interactive gaming environment with thousands of other gamers on the Internet. For this reason, Sega Dreamcast was launched with a built in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality through the Sega Dreamcast Network, including chat, e-mail, web browsing and online gaming. Content for the Sega Dreamcast Network is currently provided by Sega, Excite@Home and IGN.com. The system's preferred Internet provider is AT& WorldNet Services, the quickest and easiest way to take the system online.

The five phases of Sega's network strategy have progressed as follows:

-- Phase 1: E-mail, Game Tips -- Since launch, the Sega Dreamcast Network has allowed users to communicate via e-mail, surf the Internet, congregate in chat rooms and access exclusive information on games, upcoming titles, cheat codes and share game information with other consumers.

-- Phase 2: Enhanced Gameplay Elements -- Since launch, "Sonic Adventure(TM)" has given Sega Dreamcast consumers the unique opportunity to add new characters and enhanced gameplay elements to the game. Players can upload and download little "Chao" characters, trade them with friends and learn more about them with information on the Dreamcast Network. Star Wars(R): Episode I(TM) Racer from LucasArts (available Spring 2000) will allow players to post high scores to the Sega Dreamcast Network, adding an all new element of competition to gameplay.

-- Phase 3: E-mail Based Games -- Beginning in February 2000, gamers will be able to enjoy the first e-mail based game -- "Sega Swirl(TM)." This colorful "Columns" style game allows players to e-mail their next move back and forth with another player. PC gamers can even get in on the action and e-mail the game with a Sega Dreamcast user.

-- Phase 4: Fully Networked Games and Parlor/Puzzle Games Beginning with "Chu Chu Rocket" in March 2000, consumers will be able to play online games in real time against other players across the country. Following this title, gamers can expect to see new parlor/puzzle based games coming to the Sega Dreamcast Network from Spring 2000.

-- Phase 5: Full 3D Multi-player Games and the Ultimate Online Video Gaming Destination -- From Fall of 2000 onward, the Sega Dreamcast Network will be the host of the first true 3D, and in the future, persistent world multi-player games designed for a video gaming console. Over the next six months Sega will be announcing what games will be brought to the Dreamcast Network.

Expect the latest titles and best multi-player experience. Also in the Fall of 2000, expect to see the new online gaming portal from Sega. All the latest information, communities, tips, e-commerce, as well as news, previews and reviews of all games for Sega Dreamcast.

"Sega is a company that has set trends and broken new ground in this industry for more than 40 years. That's why it's a natural that Sega would be the company to take gamers into the next era -- online networked gaming through a console," said Peter Moore, senior vice president, Sega of America. "Sega is 100% dedicated to expanding and enhancing the gameplay experience for consumers via the Sega Dreamcast Network and in the process, building a community where gamers can share ideas, communicate and of course, play outstanding games."

About the Sega Dreamcast Network

The Sega Dreamcast Network is the definitive gaming super source. Sega Dreamcast Network users can receive regular updates via e-mail detailing games, hints, cheats and information and the ability to demo games and experience force feedback through the SegaJump Pack. The Network offers access to chat rooms to discuss games, bulletin boards, e-mail, e-commerce capability, online multiplayer games and even "mini" board, puzzle and card games. Through chat and e-mail, consumers will be able to communicate with fellow gamers across the street or around the world, effectively creating the world's largest gaming community. Additionally, the Sega Dreamcast Network allows gamers to download saved games with the Visual Memory Unit (VMU), a 128K card that acts as a personalized memory device for strategic and portable game play

About Sega Dreamcast

Sega Dreamcast is available in the US with a built in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality through the Sega Dreamcast Network, including chat, e-mail, web browsing and online gaming. Content for the Sega Dreamcast Network is provided by Sega, Excite@Home and IGN. The system's preferred Internet service provider is AT& WorldNet Services, the quickest and easiest way to take the system online. Sega Dreamcast currently has more than 40 titles available. Third-party titles currently in the works will bring the total Sega Dreamcast game library count to more than 200 in the year 2000.

Sega Dreamcast's advanced 128-bit architecture makes it the first console with evolutionary capabilities, allowing it to grow and change to match advances in technology and the needs and desires of the consumer. Sega Dreamcast is also the most powerful video game console ever created. It is 15 times more powerful than a Sony PlayStation(TM), ten times more powerful than a Nintendo(R) 64 and has four times the graphics processing power of the fastest Pentium II processor.

In the first 24 hours of availability, Sega Dreamcast netted over $97 million at retail, more than tripling the past entertainment industry record set by Star Wars: The Phantom Menace at $28 million on its first day. In its initial four days, Sega sold a total of 372,000 Sega Dreamcast systems, easily surpassing the previous industry record holder, Nintendo 64, which took six days to hit 350,000 when it launched in 1996. In the first 13 days at retail, Sega Dreamcast sold more than 514,000 units. Since it launched, Sega Dreamcast has sold more than 1.5 million units, beating sales milestones set by other high-profile consumer and electronics products such as Tickle Me Elmo(TM) and Apple's iMac. Sega estimates that the company will sell 2 million units by the end of March 2000.

About Sega

Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc. is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.

Editors' Note: Images of the Sega Dreamcast Network are available at ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/ public/sega
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