Through their collaboration, both firms intend to realize a new "home," "street" (game arcades) and "mobile" network service that can be enjoyed anywhere and anytime. The service will seamlessly fuse game machines at SEGA's own video arcade facilities, i-mode phones and home video game consoles. SEGA owns and operates video game arcades throughout Japan.
Both firms aim to provide new forms of entertainment and other innovative services through the new network.
In addition, the two firms will study the possibility of a new service that can be realized by combining FOMA (NTT DoCoMo's 3G service) and SEGA's arcade game machines. The study will be conducted from both a technical and marketing point of view.
The partners expect to introduce the new service and compatible content in autumn this year.
About NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo is Japan's largest mobile communications operator, with over 34 million subscribers. It had consolidated operating revenue of 3.7 trillion yen (approximately US$34.7 billion) in fiscal 1999 (year ended 31 March 2000). In February 1999 NTT DoCoMo launched its i-mode service, which provides continuous connection with the Internet via mobile phones. The number of subscribers to the service exceeded 19 million by February 2001. NTT DoCoMo plans to introduce third-generation mobile communications services based on its W-CDMA system in May 2001.
About SEGA
SEGA Corporation is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. SEGA's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.co.jp.
