Press release: 2005-11-03: Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc. (SEUI) Launches Location-Based Entertainment Business

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

GameWorks Represents Portfolio's First Entity

GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc. (SEUI), has announced completion of its recent asset purchase of GameWorks L.L.C., a location-based Entertainment company headquartered in Glendale, Calif. SEUI has already launched a transformation strategy, which includes deploying new video game product and expanding its signature Arena Sports Bar & Grill concept across numerous locations.

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The formation of 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. The asset purchase of GameWorks, a premiere location-based entertainment destination, provides a platform for SEGA to lead the amusement and facilities market domestically.

To lead the new venture, SEUI appointed former Coca-Cola veteran and food and beverage executive, Ben Kitay to be its president and COO. Kitay will manage operations and expansion, as well as identify other strategic growth opportunities for SEGA's new "total entertainment" company, which now includes GameWorks. In his role, Kitay will also leverage SEGA's renowned product manufacturing businesses to install and showcase innovative products across the location-based entertainment properties.

"Blending Japanese culture with American creativity has resulted in some of the most compelling, innovative, and popular products in the world. SEUI also has the added advantage of tapping SEGA's manufacturing expertise -- all to deliver consumers an unparalleled entertainment experience," said Kitay. "Using GameWorks as our first platform, we look forward to harnessing SEGA's power and vision to launch and support several successful entertainment properties throughout the US."

Building on SEGA's vision and industry knowledge and extending its industry leadership in Japan, several proven location-based entertainment executives have joined Kitay's management team. The company has appointed Akitoshi Ogawa as executive vice president, operations and marketing to coordinate SEUI's expansion internationally. Ogawa's career spans 18 years in the Japanese amusement industry, where he was a general manager for several of SEGA's most successful businesses including Joypolis, Tokyo, one of SEGA's premier flagship indoor amusement theme parks. Ogawa also served as director of SEGA's Japanese 0theme parks division and was also charged with directing sales, marketing and promotional entertainment for over 460 arcades across Japan.

Takashi Uchijima has been named senior vice president, strategic planning, SEUI, and was most recently general manager of Joypolis, Tokyo. Additionally, GameWorks' veteran Clint Manny, has been named senior vice president, sales and marketing, and is working with Kitay and Ogawa to identify brand extensions and revenue opportunities throughout the US.

Both Chaz Dunham, senior vice president, operations and Pat Hart, vice president, food and beverage will also continue to serve GameWorks. SEUI has retained the majority of GameWorks' regional staff.

To support the initial platform, SEUI has reinvigorated the GameWorks business with capital and management resources to develop significant operating and product enhancements. GameWorks plans to invest in the highest-impact, state-of-the-art game product throughout its 18 locations over the next year, and since taking ownership, SEUI has recently expanded its successful "Arena Sports Bar and Grill" food & beverage concept to the Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Miami; and Tempe, Ariz. locations.

Tapping SEGA's development and manufacturing capabilities and knowledge, SEUI has also begun deploying and refreshing the globally recognized video game product in several locations. In just four months, SEUI has installed more than 15 new game titles, totaling over 300 units in its properties nationwide.

The U.S. GameWorks' locations attract more than 15 million guests annually. Since its first location premiered in 1997, GameWorks has opened and SEUI continues to operate 14 venues in the United States, including sites in Ontario, Calif.; Long Beach, Calif.; Las Vegas; Grapevine, Texas (near Dallas); Auburn Hills, Mich. (near Detroit); Ybor City, Fla. (in Tampa); Sunrise, Fla. (near Ft. Lauderdale); Miami; Minneapolis; Seattle ; Columbus, Ohio; Tempe, Ariz.; Newport, Ky. (near Cincinnati); and Chicago. There are also three international GameWorks, with locations in Guam, Mexico, and Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic.

About Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc.

Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc. is the North American Amusement Facilities Operation arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader of amusement facilities, software and arcade machines for consumers both inside and outside the home. SEUI specializes in delivering premium entertainment experiences via its location-based entertainment destinations, which provide consumers with both signature food and beverage offerings and the world's most popular arcade game products. Through its stable of GameWorks properties, SEUI operates amusement facilities throughout North America. The web site is located at http://www.gameworks.com/.

CONTACT: Melissa Zukerman of Zukerman PR, +1-310-407-0361, for GameWorks L.L.C.; or Karin Olsen of AMAZONpr, +1-310-497-0052, for GameWorks L.L.C.

Web site: http://www.gameworks.com/
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