Difference between revisions of "Sega AM5"

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{{CompanyBob
 
{{CompanyBob
 
| logo=
 
| logo=
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| width=
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| division=[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.|Sega Enterprises]]
 
| founded=1989{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}}
 
| founded=1989{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}}
 
| defunct=1999
 
| defunct=1999
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| tseries=
 
 
| mergedwith=
 
| mergedwith=
 
| mergedinto=
 
| mergedinto=
 
| headquarters=Japan
 
| headquarters=Japan
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| next=[[Mirai R&D]]
 
}}
 
}}
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'''Sega Amusement Machine Research and Development Department #5''', commonly known as '''Sega AM R&D #5''' or '''Sega AM5''', was a research and development division within [[Sega]]. Specialising in the development of indoor theme park attractions and children's amusement machines,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} it existed for around a decade, becoming [[Mirai R&D]] in 1999 after the other Sega AM and CS teams were reformed.
+
'''Amusement Machine Research and Development Department #5'''' (第五AM研究開発部), commonly known as '''AM R&D #5''' or '''AM5''', was a research and development division within [[Sega]]. Specialising in the development of indoor theme park attractions, planning of large amusement facilities, and initially children's amusement machines, it existed for around a decade, becoming [[Mirai R&D]] in 1999 after the other Sega AM and CS teams were reformed.
  
 
==Members==
 
==Members==
−
 
+
{{multicol|
 
*[[Hiroshi Uemura]]
 
*[[Hiroshi Uemura]]
−
*[[Kazuhiko Nagai]]
 
 
*[[Tohru Nakabayashi]]
 
*[[Tohru Nakabayashi]]
 +
*[[Shingo Yasumaru]]
 +
*[[Hironao Takeda]]
 +
*[[Keisuke Tsukahara]]
 +
*[[Tokinori Kaneyasu]]
 +
*[[Hiroshi Nakanishi]]
 +
*[[Hiroki Koyama]]
 +
*[[Masayuki Yamada]]
 +
*[[Masaki Matsuno]]
 +
*[[Hideo Kusakado]]
 +
*[[Makoto Minematsu]]
 +
*[[You Yamaki]]
 +
*[[Hideaki Doi]]
 +
*[[Hiroki Ito]]
 +
*[[Toshiaki Chikano]]
 +
*[[Hironao Imagawa]]
 +
*[[Naoyuki Muramatsu]]
 +
*[[Katsuyoshi Watanabe]]
 +
*[[Shiki Haradai]]
 +
*[[Masashi Nomura]]
 +
*[[Nobuyuki Takano (engineer)|Nobuyuki Takano]]
 +
*[[Kenji Mizumoto]]
 +
*[[Takeshi Aoki]]
 +
*[[Chugo Oda]]
 +
*[[Satoshi Nakano]]
 +
*[[Keiichi Kawamata]]
 +
*[[Takane Sukegawa]]
 +
*[[Kazunari Shimura]]
 +
|cols=3}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
−
AM5, then likely known as R&D5, was reportedly created in 1989{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} under the leadership of [[Hiroshi Uemura]],{{fileref|SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|page=144}} and was split from the arcade hardware design department of [[Sega AM4]], at that time still known as R&D4. Opened with the specific aim of creating amusement machines for families to be placed in suburban facilities such as Sega's own Japanese game centers,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} it initially focused on creating small childrens' arcade machines like the ''Waku Waku'' line of kiddie rides, whilst also undertaking more complex work on a number of early large simulators, including the [[AS-1]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} These were originally showcased at industry trade shows and expos; some saw more permanent use at a few of the larger amusement venues open around the world at that time, like Sega's own [[Sega World Cospal]], which housed a ''[[CCD Cart]]'' installation when opened in 1991.{{magref|gamemachinejp|415|14}}
+
AM5, then likely known as R&D5, was reportedly created in 1989{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} and was split from the arcade hardware design department of [[Sega AM4]], at that time still known as R&D4. Opened with the specific aim of creating amusement machines for families to be placed in suburban facilities such as Sega's own Japanese game centers,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} it initially focused on creating small childrens' arcade machines like the ''Waku Waku'' line of kiddie rides, whilst also undertaking more complex work on a number of early large simulators, including the [[AS-1]].{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210507020520/https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0}} These were originally showcased at industry trade shows and expos; some saw more permanent use at a few of the larger amusement venues open around the world at that time, like Sega's own [[Sega World Cospal]], which housed a ''[[CCD Cart]]'' installation when opened in 1991.{{magref|gamemachinejp|415|14}}{{magref|famitsu|182|115}} The team's name change to AM5 occurred alongside the separation of Sega's R&D teams to use the CS and AM names in 1991.{{magref|bemega|1994-10|96}}{{fileref|SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|page=144}}  
  
−
The team's name change to AM5 occurred alongside the separation of Sega's R&D teams to use the CS and AM names in 1991,{{magref|bemega|1994-10|96}} though because of its nature, its numbers are not thought to have been affected. Eventually, much of AM5's work became devoted to the creation of the [[Mid-size attraction|Mid-size]] and [[Large attraction]]s that almost exclusively populated Sega's [[Amusement Theme Park]] centers in Japan during the 1990s, including (but not limited to) [[Joypolis]].{{fileref|SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|page=144}} Unlike AM4, which frequently collaborated with the software departments [[AM1]], [[AM2]] and [[AM3]], AM5 appears to have designed, created, and developed most of its work by itself, often also going uncredited for it. In spite of this, one of their most notable works, [[VR-1]], was jointly created with AM3,{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20040610032406/www.hitmaker.co.jp/site/comphistory.html}} who had also collaborated with [[Virtuality]] for the advanced [[Mega Visor Display]] headset used in the attraction and ''[[Dennou Senki Net Merc]]''.{{ref|1=http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}{{ref|https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}
+
Eventually, much of AM5's work became devoted to creating the vast majority of the various mid-size and large attractions that populated Sega's [[Amusement Theme Park]] centers in Japan during the 1990s, including (but not limited to) [[Joypolis]].{{magref|ssmjp|1996-09|144}}{{magref|bemega|1994-10|96}} Prominent development personnel included [[Tokinori Kaneyasu]], [[Hiroshi Uemura]], and [[Hironao Takeda]]; some members of the team, such as [[Hiroshi Nakanishi]], also carried out design and planning work on the centers themselves.{{magref|ssmjp|1997-38|130}} Unlike AM4, which frequently provided hardware for the largely software focused departments [[AM1]], [[AM2]] and [[AM3]], AM5 appears to have designed, developed, and programmed most of its hardware/software by itself; however, its two most notable works, the [[AS-1]] and [[VR-1]] simulators, were given software assistance by AM3, as well as overseas collaborators [[wikipedia:Douglas Trumbull|Douglas Trumbull]] and [[Virtuality]], respectively.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20040610032406/www.hitmaker.co.jp/site/comphistory.html}}{{ref|1=http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712}}{{ref|https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}
  
−
AM5 was most active from 1993 to 1998, when it was officially deemed the "Joypolis Attraction R&D Department"{{magref|gr|6|18}} and Sega's theme park operations were still being continually expanded, requiring the constant development of new showpiece attractions. Some of its work became available outside of Japan in [[SegaWorld London]] and [[Sega World Sydney]], however due to financial pressures and managerial problems, the majority of these theme parks were either closed permanently or scaled back, with only the flagship [[Tokyo Joypolis]] receiving frequent updates thereafter. In 1999, AM5, like all the AM and CS teams at Sega, was renamed, and ceased to exist. [[Mirai R&D]] took its place, which returned the team to its roots by focusing more on arcade machines for small children.
+
AM5 was most active from 1993 to 1998, when it was officially deemed the "Joypolis Attraction R&D Department"{{magref|gr|6|18}} and Sega's theme park operations were still being continually expanded, requiring the constant development of new showpiece attractions. Initially exclusive to Japan, some of its large-scale produce eventually became available outside of the country in [[SegaWorld London]] and [[Sega World Sydney]], however due to financial pressures and managerial problems, the majority of these theme parks were either closed permanently or scaled back, with only the flagship [[Tokyo Joypolis]] receiving frequent updates thereafter.{{ref|https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/}}  In 1999, AM5, like all the AM and CS teams at Sega, was renamed, and ceased to exist. [[Mirai R&D]] took its place, which diversified its amusement interests and eventually returned the team to its roots by focusing on arcade machines for small children again.
  
 
Sega has continued to develop attractions for the remaining theme park venues they are affiliated with, however, it was only during the 1990s that a specific internal division was promoted for these tasks and largely dedicated to them.
 
Sega has continued to develop attractions for the remaining theme park venues they are affiliated with, however, it was only during the 1990s that a specific internal division was promoted for these tasks and largely dedicated to them.
  
 
==Softography==
 
==Softography==
−
{{multicol|
+
{{CompanyHistoryAll|Sega AM5}}
−
===[[Model 1]]===
+
 
−
*''[[Virtua Formula]]'' (1993)
+
==List of staff==
−
===[[Model 2]]===
+
{{StaffList|Sega AM5}}
−
*''[[Sega Rally Special Stage]]'' (1996)
 
−
*''[[Sega Touring Car Championship Special]]'' (1997)
 
−
===[[Model 3]]===
 
−
*''[[Bike Athlon]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Boat Race GP]]'' (1998)
 
−
===[[Mid-size attraction]]===
 
−
* ''[[AS-1]]'' (1993)
 
−
* ''[[Virtua Formula]]'' (1993)
 
−
* ''[[Power Sled]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Murder Lodge]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Bike Athlon]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Boat Race GP]]'' (1998)
 
−
* ''[[Wild River]]'' (1998)
 
−
* ''[[Dennou Senki Virtual-On Special]]'' (1998)
 
−
* ''[[Sky Cruising]]'' (1999)
 
  
−
===[[Large attraction]]===
+
==Magazine articles==
−
* ''[[CCD Cart]]'' (1991)
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
−
* ''[[Cyber Dome]]'' (1991)
 
−
* ''[[Ghost Hunters]]'' (1994)
 
−
* ''[[Astronomicon]]'' (1994)
 
−
* ''[[Virtual Shooting]]'' (1994)
 
−
* ''[[VR-1]]'' (1994)
 
−
* ''[[Rail Chase: The Ride]]'' (1994)
 
−
* ''[[Aqua Nova]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Halfpipe Canyon]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Time Fall]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[The Crypt]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Fortune Museum]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Beast In Darkness]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Weird Photo Studio]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Sega Rally Special Stage]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Super Ranking]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Shocking Maze]]'' (1996)
 
−
* ''[[Sega Touring Car Championship Special]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Aquarena]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Lost Cemetery]]'' (1997)
 
−
* ''[[Drift Cart]]'' (1998)
 
−
* ''[[Fortune Cave]]'' (1998)
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Latest revision as of 08:11, 3 February 2024

Notavailable.svg
Sega AM5
Division of Sega Enterprises
Founded: 1989[1]
Defunct: 1999
Headquarters:
Japan

Amusement Machine Research and Development Department #5' (第五AM研究開発部), commonly known as AM R&D #5 or AM5, was a research and development division within Sega. Specialising in the development of indoor theme park attractions, planning of large amusement facilities, and initially children's amusement machines, it existed for around a decade, becoming Mirai R&D in 1999 after the other Sega AM and CS teams were reformed.

Members

History

AM5, then likely known as R&D5, was reportedly created in 1989[1] and was split from the arcade hardware design department of Sega AM4, at that time still known as R&D4. Opened with the specific aim of creating amusement machines for families to be placed in suburban facilities such as Sega's own Japanese game centers,[1] it initially focused on creating small childrens' arcade machines like the Waku Waku line of kiddie rides, whilst also undertaking more complex work on a number of early large simulators, including the AS-1.[1] These were originally showcased at industry trade shows and expos; some saw more permanent use at a few of the larger amusement venues open around the world at that time, like Sega's own Sega World Cospal, which housed a CCD Cart installation when opened in 1991.[2][3] The team's name change to AM5 occurred alongside the separation of Sega's R&D teams to use the CS and AM names in 1991.[4][5]

Eventually, much of AM5's work became devoted to creating the vast majority of the various mid-size and large attractions that populated Sega's Amusement Theme Park centers in Japan during the 1990s, including (but not limited to) Joypolis.[6][4] Prominent development personnel included Tokinori Kaneyasu, Hiroshi Uemura, and Hironao Takeda; some members of the team, such as Hiroshi Nakanishi, also carried out design and planning work on the centers themselves.[7] Unlike AM4, which frequently provided hardware for the largely software focused departments AM1, AM2 and AM3, AM5 appears to have designed, developed, and programmed most of its hardware/software by itself; however, its two most notable works, the AS-1 and VR-1 simulators, were given software assistance by AM3, as well as overseas collaborators Douglas Trumbull and Virtuality, respectively.[8][9][10]

AM5 was most active from 1993 to 1998, when it was officially deemed the "Joypolis Attraction R&D Department"[11] and Sega's theme park operations were still being continually expanded, requiring the constant development of new showpiece attractions. Initially exclusive to Japan, some of its large-scale produce eventually became available outside of the country in SegaWorld London and Sega World Sydney, however due to financial pressures and managerial problems, the majority of these theme parks were either closed permanently or scaled back, with only the flagship Tokyo Joypolis receiving frequent updates thereafter.[10] In 1999, AM5, like all the AM and CS teams at Sega, was renamed, and ceased to exist. Mirai R&D took its place, which diversified its amusement interests and eventually returned the team to its roots by focusing on arcade machines for small children again.

Sega has continued to develop attractions for the remaining theme park venues they are affiliated with, however, it was only during the 1990s that a specific internal division was promoted for these tasks and largely dedicated to them.

Softography

Model 1

Model 2

Model 3

Mid-size attraction

Large attraction

List of staff

Magazine articles

Main article: Sega AM5/Magazine articles.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://blog.goo.ne.jp/lemon6868/e/964683a1754808ef332712561e51b4c0 (Wayback Machine: 2021-05-07 02:05)
  2. ↑ Game Machine, "1991-11-15" (JP; 1991-11-15), page 14
  3. ↑ Famitsu, "1992-06-12" (JP; 1992-05-29), page 115
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Beep! MegaDrive, "October 1994" (JP; 1994-09-08), page 96
  5. ↑ File:SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf, page 144
  6. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-09 (1996-06-14)" (JP; 1996-05-24), page 144
  7. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1997-38 (1997-11-07)" (JP; 1997-10-24), page 130
  8. ↑ htt (Wayback Machine: 2004-06-10 03:24)
  9. ↑ http://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=712
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 https://www.vrfocus.com/2020/07/the-virtual-arena-blast-from-the-past-the-vr-1/
  11. ↑ Gamers' Republic, "November 1998" (US; 1998-10-18), page 18


Timeline of Sega of Japan research and development divisions








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