Thanks to some Japanese-language news sources, we now know the nature of the big Sega reveal that was teased for this week’s Famitsu. The publisher is working on some kind of initiative that it’s dubbed “fog gaming.” While it’s not exactly clear what that is–or if it’s comparable to cloud gaming services like Google Stadia–according to analyst Serkan Toto, it will likely involve using the guts of arcade machines during off-hours. They’ll be good for more than just playing Dig-Dug and Street Fighter now.
According to this news source in Japan (https://t.co/mWggsCOmIS), Sega is working on a new kind of platform they apparently dub “Fog Gaming”.
That term is NOT the Japanese equivalent of cloud gaming, but no further infos as of now.
Sega is having a weird day. https://t.co/jYoqaUBD6O— Dr. Serkan Toto / Kantan Games Inc. (@serkantoto) June 3, 2020
Article now with info:
– yes, “Fog Gaming” is the “scoop”
– Sega will use arcades in Japan as the technical backbone
– CPUs and GPUs housed in arcade machines are mentioned specifically
– ultra-low latency is touted
– commercial idea is to use arcades outside business hours https://t.co/LWOiYuDAYj— Dr. Serkan Toto / Kantan Games Inc. (@serkantoto) June 3, 2020
Given that arcades are far more common in Japan than elsewhere, it’s unclear how much of an impact that this service could have in the Americas or Europe.
Sega also announced a new console for Japan, the miniaturized throwback Game Gear Micro. The extremely tiny console will come in four different color options, each with its own set of games. The console will launch on October 6 in Japan, and there’s no word on a release in the West. Still, if you’ve ever wanted OutRun literally in the palm of your hand, this might be your best bet.
GameSpot has officially kicked off Play For All–a celebration of all things gaming. Join us as we bring you the summer’s hottest news, previews, interviews, features, and videos, as well as raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts and Black Lives Matter with the help of our friends from around the gaming world. Check out the Play For All schedule for more.
