Sega is considering launch of a Netflix-like game subscription service

Sega is exploring the possibility of launching its own subscription-based streaming service for video games, following the success of similar offerings from Microsoft and Sony. This move would position Sega among the growing list of companies offering gamers access to a wide range of titles for a monthly fee, marking a significant step in the gaming industry’s transition towards streaming.

In an interview with the BBC, Sega President Shuji Utsumi confirmed that the company is “evaluating some opportunities” in the subscription space but declined to provide further details. “We’re thinking something—and discussing something—we cannot disclose right now,” Utsumi said, leaving the gaming community speculating about the potential service.

Subscription-based gaming services, such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, already dominate the market. These services allow players to access hundreds of games for a monthly fee rather than purchasing each title individually. Other major players, including Nintendo, Electronic Arts (EA), and Ubisoft, have also launched their own membership plans in recent years, expanding the options available to gamers.

Currently, some Sega games are available on multiple streaming platforms, and the company has yet to reveal whether it would pull its titles from these services if it decides to introduce its own subscription service. The financial incentive for Sega would be clear: getting gamers to pay subscription fees directly to the company could be more lucrative than relying on third-party platforms, particularly for players who primarily enjoy Sega titles.

However, the prospect of an additional subscription service has raised concerns among some industry observers. Critics warn that with multiple services already available, consumers could end up paying for several subscriptions, leading to higher overall costs. Rachel Howie, a Twitch streamer known as DontRachQuit, expressed mixed feelings about the idea. “We have so many subscriptions already that we find it very difficult to justify signing up for a new one,” she said. “I think Sega will definitely have a core dedicated audience that will benefit from this, but will the average gamer choose this over something like Game Pass?”

Sophie Smart, Production Director at UK developer No More Robots, echoed these concerns. While she expressed enthusiasm about Sega’s potential move into subscription gaming, she questioned whether it would lead to the removal of Sega titles from other services, further fragmenting the gaming landscape.