Dreamcast Redux

We reported that it was dead last week, but it seems that the Dreamcast refuses to die. Sega and set-top box manufacturer Pace have just announced a joint venture to produce set-top devices with added Dreamcast functionality. Unofficially dubbed the

We reported that it was dead last week, but it seems that the Dreamcast refuses to die. Sega and set-top box manufacturer Pace have just announced a joint venture to produce set-top devices with added Dreamcast functionality. Unofficially dubbed the 'Games Gateway', the device will be available next year for an approximate price tag of $US600.

The Gateway will be user configurable upon order, allowing for multiple outputs and even VGA support. A 40GB hard drive will provide a modicum of space for movie and other multimedia downloads. Various games service providers are being sought at the moment, and it is they who will determine the pricing structure of downloaded games - one-off subscription, monthly fees, or whatever.

Only last week, Sega announced the discontinuation of its flagship console and its intent to focus on software and game development. Playstation2 owners, almost universally disappointed by the paucity of PS2 titles, were dancing in the streets, but the announcement wasn't all wine and roses. Job cuts soon followed, and other industry players were very vocal about Sega's latest strategy.

Electronic Arts is very skeptical about Sega's ability to enter the development world, and released a rather damning statement. 'They're starting from scratch... It's not quite as though this is GM saying we'll make BMWs, but it's the same kind of proposition. They may look like BMWs, but I doubt if they'll drive like BMWs.' Sega was not impressed, and accused EA of cat-like bitchiness - we're inclined to agree. As Sega pointed out, twenty years in the gaming industry is hardly 'starting from scratch'.
Sega's Web site