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Entertainment • Video Games

Sega

Sega Corporation is a Japanese video game company and publisher headquartered in Tokyo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sega Corporation is a Japanese video game company and publisher headquartered in Tokyo. It is known for franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Yakuza, Total War, and Virtua Fighter, and it previously manufactured its own game consoles until 2001.

History

Sega traces its roots to coin-operated amusement and arcade businesses that later evolved into a Japanese video game company. It was founded in 1940 as Standard Games, later becoming Service Games and Sega Enterprises. The company expanded into home consoles in the 1980s and later shifted its focus away from console hardware.

Video game franchises

Sega is known for long-running franchises across arcade, console, and PC platforms. Its best-known properties include Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Yakuza, Total War, Virtua Fighter, and Puyo Puyo.

Console hardware

Sega developed a range of home consoles beginning with the SG-1000 in 1983. Its hardware line included the Master System and Mega Drive/Genesis before it left the console market in 2001.

Corporate structure

Sega Corporation operates as part of Sega Sammy Holdings. The company is based in Tokyo and maintains international operations.

Key facts

  • Sega is a Japanese company focused on video game development and publishing.
  • It is a subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings.
  • Sega is associated with major franchises including Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Yakuza, Total War, Virtua Fighter, and Puyo Puyo.
  • Sega developed and sold home consoles from 1983 until 2001.
  • Its early console line included the SG-1000 and the Master System, and later the Mega Drive/Genesis.
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Canadian context

Sega has had a long presence in the Canadian video game market through console releases, arcade games, and widely distributed franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sega?
Sega is a Japanese video game company that develops and publishes games and is known for franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Yakuza.
Is Sega still making consoles?
No. Sega stopped developing its own home consoles in 2001 and now focuses on software and publishing.
What is Sega's headquarters?
Sega is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
Who owns Sega?
Sega is a subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings.
What is Sega best known for?
Sega is best known for video game franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, Yakuza, Total War, Virtua Fighter, and Puyo Puyo.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega
    Supports: Company identity, headquarters, parent company, major franchises, and the end of Sega's own console development in 2001.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Sega-Corporation
    Supports: Corporate history, industry classification, and Sega's evolution from hardware to software-focused business.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sega_video_game_consoles
    Supports: Sega's console history, including SG-1000, Master System, and the broader timeline of Sega hardware.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis
    Supports: The Mega Drive/Genesis as a Sega console and its release history.