Sega shutting down offices throughout Europe and Australia to focus on key IP and new digital titles.
Sega is shutting down their offices in France, Germany, Spain, Australia and Benelux as part of its shift in focus toward its four key franchises, Sonic, Aliens, Total War, and Football Manager, as well as new and existing digital titles.
Koch Media will now aid Sega with distribution throughout Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, and Spain, while Level03 Distribution and 5 Star Games will distribute in Benelux and Australia. Changes are effective July 1st, 2012.
"SEGA is entering a new and exciting phase that will position the company as a content led organisation maximising sales with strong and balanced IP such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager and the Aliens franchise", commented Jurgen Post, COO of SEGA Europe. "The company will benefit from a clear focus and realigned strategy for our digital business and packaged goods and we are confident that this will lead to a successful future."
The closing of Sega Australia come the day of the release of its latest game London 2012 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games. Sega will continue to market and distribute the title which launched today in Australia and is scheduled to release tomorrow throughout Europe.
Earlier in March, Sega told Polygon that its plans to restructure the company could result in layoffs "within the publishing business across the Western organisation."
Sega officials added the refocus toward digital content and existing franchises would strengthen its digital business as it shifts away from boxed games.