Sega is taking a step back by focusing on its range of classic titles with the launch of “Sega Universe.” This new initiative aims to revive old intellectual properties through video games. The company announced this new project with the slogan “No old, stay gold” on April 24, 2026, along with a dedicated website.
During the launch of Sega Universe, the company explained its philosophy, stating that they aim to “shine a light on classic titles that are still appreciated by fans, that set themselves apart from current titles, and aim to transcend the world of games by offering new ways to enjoy them.”
The Sega Universe website specifies that, “Games and characters born in the past, transcending generations and boundaries, continue to live in the same universe, even today. Beyond games, they extend to cinema, music, fashion, and other forms of entertainment.”
The first phase of the Sega Universe initiative will focus on anniversary projects for titles reaching significant milestones in 2026. These projects aim to create “nostalgic and new entertainment content” that respects the original titles while providing quality updates for the modern audience.
What is even more interesting is that the Sega Universe website features a “2026 Selected” section, paying tribute to nine video games celebrating their anniversaries in 2026. These titles include:
- Fantasy Zone (40 years)
- Out Run (40 years)
- Streets of Rage (35 years)
- Rent a Hero (35 years)
- Guardian Heroes (30 years)
- NiGHTS Into Dreams (30 years)
- Dynamite Deka (30 years)
- Sakura Wars (30 years)
- SGGG, also known as Segagaga (25 years)
This transmedia, broad, and somewhat vague perspective refers to Sega’s previously mentioned strategy to expand its video game franchises to other media forms, as successfully done with Sonic through a film trilogy.
To support its transmedia efforts, the company has recruited Justin Scarpone, a Disney veteran, as the Global Transmedia Head, aiming to replicate the success of Sonic with other intellectual properties such as Persona and Like a Dragon in the realms of cinema, television, merchandise, and shows.
Currently, the Sega Universe initiative appears limited, focusing on some of its oldest franchises. However, the company is also working on new entries for several classic franchises like Streets of Rage, Jet Set Radio, and Crazy Taxi, while regularly releasing and monetizing its titles on new console platforms.
