SEGA shifting focus to mobile and PC games, offers staff voluntary retirement

SEGA isn't new to refocusing or restructuring their company to fit with the times. Each time they've done so, they have grown immensely. Founded in 1940, SEGA started off with developing and distributing coin-operated jukeboxes, games, and slot machines. From '83 to 2001, they refocused to developing and manufacturing video games and game consoles. After 2001 their focus shifted predominantly to video game development.

Now, in 2015, SEGA is restructuring their company and their focus once more. The Japanese video game company is changing their focus to mainly smartphone and online PC gaming. In order to circumvent mass layoffs as a result of the change in strategy, they will be issuing a voluntary early retirement (with benefits) to 300 employees. In the west, the San Francisco SEGA of America office will be relocated to Southern California and the office in San Francisco will be closed.

The company is hoping the decision will "drastically improve profitability."

SEGA of Europe went unmentioned in the press release revealing the refocus. When questioned on the omission of the European branch, a spokesperson commented, "We are under consultation with a limited number of staff in the European publishing business and will be able to confirm decisions regarding any potential redundancies in the coming weeks."

[SEGA, Eurogamer]

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