Difference between revisions of "Sega Multimedia Studio"

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==History==
 
==History==
 
[[File:SegaMultimediaStudio 1.png|thumb|280px|A 1992 promotional photograph of the studio's dedicated recording facilities.]]
 
[[File:SegaMultimediaStudio 1.png|thumb|280px|A 1992 promotional photograph of the studio's dedicated recording facilities.]]
In late 1991<ref>K Horowitz (2016). ''Playing at the Next Level: A History of American Sega Games''</ref>, [[Ken Balthaser]] established {{PAGENAME}} in an attempt by management to refocus the company's internal development capabilities around the [[CD-ROM]] and the upcoming [[Sega CD]].{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas}} Soon after in early 1992, the [[Product Development Team]] had its audio department officially migrated to Sega Multimedia Studio.
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In late 1991<ref>K Horowitz (2016). ''Playing at the Next Level: A History of American Sega Games''</ref>, [[Ken Balthaser]] established {{PAGENAME}} in an attempt by management to refocus the company's internal development capabilities around the [[CD-ROM]] and the upcoming [[Sega CD]]. Soon after in early 1992{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas}}, the [[Product Development Team]] had its audio department officially migrated to Sega Multimedia Studio.
  
Largely managed by Ken Balthaser, [[David Javelosa]], and others, the group specialized in the field of "multimedia"; that is, the combination of different types of interactive media that the new storage format of compact discs offered. Now seen as a speculation-fueled bubble that grossly overestimated consumer interest, Sega of America was allowed to join in as well, thanks to its overwhelming success with the [[Genesis]]. The studio would assist in the development of media-based games for the Sega CD, such as the platform's [[FMV]] titles. Additionally, it's support bolstered the cutting-edge, "better than Nintendo" corporate image Sega of America had created for the United States market at the time.
+
Largely managed by Ken Balthaser, [[David Javelosa]], and others, the group specialized in the field of "multimedia"; that is, the combination of different types of interactive media that the new storage format of compact discs offered. Now seen as a speculation-fueled bubble that grossly overestimated consumer interest, Sega of America was allowed to join in as well, thanks to its overwhelming success with the [[Genesis]]. The studio would assist in the development of media-based games for the Sega CD, such as the platform's [[FMV]] titles. Additionally, it's support bolstered the cutting-edge, "better than Nintendo" corporate image Sega of America had created for the United States market at the time. [[Al Nilsen]] recalls that even famed [[Sega]] collaborator [[Michael Jackson]] visited the studio on a number of occasions.
 
 
[[Al Nilsen]] recalls famed [[Sega]] collaborator [[Michael Jackson]] visiting the studio a number of times during its existence.
 
  
 
Around 1994{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas}}, the audio department was spun-off into [[Sega Music Group]]{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2008-07-02) by Sega-16}}, [[Creative Support]]{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2008-07-02) by Sega-16}}, and [[Developer Technical Support]]{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas}}, with many staff moving to [[Gametek]] as a result.{{intref|Interview: Doug Lanford (2011-03-01) by Sega-16}}
 
Around 1994{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas}}, the audio department was spun-off into [[Sega Music Group]]{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2008-07-02) by Sega-16}}, [[Creative Support]]{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2008-07-02) by Sega-16}}, and [[Developer Technical Support]]{{intref|Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas}}, with many staff moving to [[Gametek]] as a result.{{intref|Interview: Doug Lanford (2011-03-01) by Sega-16}}

Revision as of 04:45, 15 December 2023


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Sega Multimedia Studio was a development division created by Sega of America in response to the multimedia revolution of the early 90’s, featuring advanced audio video creation facilities and a state-of-the-art recording studio. Directly assisting various Sega of America branches, the studio ended up working on nearly two-dozen titles, while also producing two games of their own.

History

A 1992 promotional photograph of the studio's dedicated recording facilities.

In late 1991[3], Ken Balthaser established Sega Multimedia Studio in an attempt by management to refocus the company's internal development capabilities around the CD-ROM and the upcoming Sega CD. Soon after in early 1992[2], the Product Development Team had its audio department officially migrated to Sega Multimedia Studio.

Largely managed by Ken Balthaser, David Javelosa, and others, the group specialized in the field of "multimedia"; that is, the combination of different types of interactive media that the new storage format of compact discs offered. Now seen as a speculation-fueled bubble that grossly overestimated consumer interest, Sega of America was allowed to join in as well, thanks to its overwhelming success with the Genesis. The studio would assist in the development of media-based games for the Sega CD, such as the platform's FMV titles. Additionally, it's support bolstered the cutting-edge, "better than Nintendo" corporate image Sega of America had created for the United States market at the time. Al Nilsen recalls that even famed Sega collaborator Michael Jackson visited the studio on a number of occasions.

Around 1994[2], the audio department was spun-off into Sega Music Group[4], Creative Support[4], and Developer Technical Support[2], with many staff moving to Gametek as a result.[5]

Softography

List of staff

Photographs

Main article: Photos of Sega Multimedia Studio

References

  1. K Horowitz (2016). Playing at the Next Level: A History of American Sega Games
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Interview: David Javelosa (2023-12-09) by Alexander Rojas
  3. K Horowitz (2016). Playing at the Next Level: A History of American Sega Games
  4. 4.0 4.1 Interview: David Javelosa (2008-07-02) by Sega-16
  5. Interview: Doug Lanford (2011-03-01) by Sega-16


Timeline of Sega of America research and development divisions