Sega announced its “Super Game” project nearly a year ago. The plan was to invest heavily into high-quality games, and the later partnership with Microsoft meant they’d see a place on the Cloud. In the initial announcement, Sega mentioned that the program may include long-dormant IPs, possibly turning them into “global brands.” That looks like it could be happening. Today, Bloobmerg reported that Sega is working on reboots for both Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi.
But don’t get too excited yet, Sega fans; there’s an interesting caveat to the news. According to the report, Sega has been eyeballing the success of live-service games like Fortnite. Such games follow the model of free to play, multiplatform releases with microtransactions.
Sega’s Super Game may be built on such a foundation. That means you may have to purchase graffiti art in the Jet Set Radio reboot. I’m pretty sure that goes against the game’s more anarchistic themes. Naturally, this is still all in the air. The Crazy Taxi reboot has apparently been in development for more than a year, but the outlet reports that either game could get canceled. Barring any halt on development, however, the new Crazy Taxi could be tearing up the streets within a few years.
Doesn’t sound so super to me
Like many companies, Sega has shown interest in blockchain games and NFTs. Despite hints that the company won’t pursue them if seen negatively by fans, Sega did file for an NFT trademark back in December. If Sega plans on seeing its Super Game project through, it won’t be unusual for NFTs to eventually slither into the mix.
I am all for a reboot of Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi, two of the Dreamcast’s best niche hits. And I’m also supportive of Sega investing into its older IPs, especially before everyone else does. However, I can’t see the live service road leading the company to such riches. Interest in blockchain/NFTs is already on the downward spiral, despite the Square Enix president still singing their praises. Sega has shown some clear caution on the tech, so we’ll have to wait and see if it decides to commit.
