Press release: 1998-09-17: SEGA SELECTS POWERVR SERIES2 AS 3D GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY FOR NEW ARCADE SYSTEM

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: PR Newswire

SEGA SELECTS POWERVR SERIES2 AS 3D GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY FOR NEW ARCADE SYSTEM

NEC Electronics Inc. and Videologic, today announced that a chip based on PowerVR Series2 technology will be the graphics engine in Sega's new system board for arcade machines, known as 'Naomi'.
Naomi will deliver more than three times the performance of current arcade based systems. Used in Sega-branded machines, as well as in arcade machines made by other manufacturers, Naomi systems and the first game, "The House of the Dead 2" will be available in Japan in November 1998, and in the U.S. and Europe in 1999.

The Sega arcade design win represents the second step in Power VR's three market cross-platform gaming strategy and confirms the company's entry into the arcade market. NEC and Videologic have already announced the PowerVR 2DC chip to be used in Sega's new game console, Dreamcast.

Sega, in its press release issued September 17, 1998, states: "Sega is positioning... Naomi as a strategic product... (Sega's) goal is to create the de facto standard in the amusement industry with plans to ship over half a million boards worldwide..." Sega, has already announced it has formed several alliances with both domestic and international licensees; 20 software game developers have already pledged to develop titles for Sega using the new system.

PowerVR's Cross-Platform Strategy

NEC and Videologic believe a cross-platform strategy addressing the broad gaming market reduces the overall cost of developing and manufacturing product through higher volume sales. The annual volume of game consoles PCs and arcades with 3D graphics processors is forecast to exceed 154 million units in 1999 and 182 million units in 2000, according to the analyst firm Dataquest. Higher volume sales mean lower unit cost for customers across all three market segments.

Cross-platform adoption benefits software developers as well. As 3D graphics become pervasive on all gaming platforms, the demand for games that take advantage of high quality 3D will increase. Thus, developer scan design arcade-quality 3D games, offer them to consumers on lower priced systems, and create titles nearly simultaneously across the market segments.
For the game players, a cross platform strategy means costs are spread out among more units, keeping the price of 3D gaming low. More high-quality game titles will be available sooner for the PowerVR- enabled Dreamcast console, PC's or arcade systems. The players favourite game accelerated by PowerVR may be found on three platforms at the same time.

Hossein Yassaie, Group Managing Director of Videologic commented:

"With Dreamcast, PowerVR set out to create a new standard in 3D graphics for console gaming; now with Sega's Naomi, we will deliver unprecedented levels of 3D performance to arcade systems We are confident that Naomi's new price performance point, combined with Sega's strong position, will set a new standard and fundamentally change the dynamics of the arcade market."

About Videologic

Videologic Group plc is an international company, which develops designs and supplies market-leading 2D/3D graphics accelerator and audio products for PCs, games consoles and arcade entertainment machines. Since it was founded in 1985, the company has introduced, directly or via licensing arrangements, a succession of innovative silicon chips and add-in boards which have played a major role in the development of multimedia and computer-based entertainment systems. Videologic has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (FOOTSY:VDO).
Product details, news, technical support and the latest software axe all available on the Videologic web site: http:\\www.videologic.com
About NEC Electronics Inc.

NEC Electronics Inc. headquarters in Santa Clara California, designs, manufacturers and markets an extensive line of electronic products including ASICs, microprocessors and microcontrollers, graphics accelerators, digital signal processors (DSPs), memories and components including flat panel displays and lithium -ion batteries. The company operates a 709,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Roseville, California. NEC Electronics is an affiliate of NEC Corporation (NIPNY), a multi-billion international manufacturer of computer, communications and semiconductor products.

For more information about products offered by NEC Electronics Inc, please visit the NEC U. S. Web site at htpp:\\www.nec.com

SOURCE Videologic Group