
Leaked SEGA Document Describes Game Line-Up, Motion Control Date, and PSN Imports
September 22, 2009 | 12:58 PM PST
It appears that the SEGA-Sony document which was leaked earlier today ("allegedly," Kotaku notes) was a doozie. In addition to the talk of PlayStation 2/Dreamcast games on the PlayStation 3, it seems that the document was a veritable treasure trove of other information as well.
Kotaku reports that the document, now removed from its home at Objectif-Sega, "covers everything from Aliens and Bayonetta to Sonic and something called Vanquish." That's quite a bit of ground, as they clarify that "every major Sega game is mentioned in the document, often with details that appear to be either upcoming plans or at least ideas about what would the companies might pursue."
The document notes a conversation on August 5th between SEGA representatives and Rob Dyer, Sony Computer Entertainment America's Senior Vice-President of Public Relations. They were apparently talking about SEGA's upcoming plans.
Some interesting tidbits Kotaku point out include an as-yet unannounced Bayonetta Collector's Edition with a figurine and the first level of Alpha Protocol being deemed "too difficult," as well as "barely feeling like a role-playing game."
More interesting are the Sony-specific initiatives, such as spaces and avatar downloads for Home based on properties such as Iron Man 2, Aliens vs. Predator, and even the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. There is also mention of a possibility of exclusive Sony-based characters in that platform's version of Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, though SEGA seemed to eschew Sony's icons in favor of Microsoft's: "Open to DLC to differentiate PS3 SKU [version] – not ratchet and clank but other characters maybe characters from Rare or Fable universes."
As regards Yakuza 3, which was seemingly unofficially confirmed yesterday, the August 5th document seemed to indicate other ideas than a traditional localization: "Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game). Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles. SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity."
Another item of note discussed by the document surrounds PS3 to PSP compatibility for Aliens: Colonial Marines, which has not been announced for any portable system yet. In addition, a game called Vanquish seemed to be in line for similar treatment.
The last game-specific item Kotaku talks about is Sonic the Hedgehog, which is seemingly being considered for a "Best of Sonic" collection. A note mentions that "SCEA would love PSN exclusive power ups/different game modes."
Moving away from specific games, the document apparently spoke of Sony's motion controller as follows:
Motion Controller
• Spring 2010 launch (March in JP)
• No bundle/pricing details yet, should come Sept 1
• Plan on selling 4-5MM units WW
• SCEA agreed to provide a list of Sega IP that would work well with the motion controller, Virtua Tennis was an example
• Motion Controller support allows easy way to differentiate PS3 SKU
• Other differentiation opportunities include PSP/PS3 interoperability – think of features that would make users want to buy both PS3 and PSP SKUs.
We knew that Sony was set on releasing the peripheral in Spring 2010, but March is the first we've heard of a more specific timeframe, be it for Japan or abroad.
Another proposal seemed to be for a PlayStation Network "import store," in which SEGA could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game)". Perhaps tying in to the Yakuza 3 idea mentioned above, they do mention the Yakuza name and that SEGA "might need to localize menus at least with subtitles".
Of course, this is all just the two companies talking business, so there's no guarantee any of this will happen.


















