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Sega’s latest entry into theSonicfranchise,Sonic Rumble, has taken a bold step to ensure its appeal to global audiences. Set to release in Winter 2024 for PC, iOS, and Android, the game’s monetization system will avoid certain monetization methods that have caused controversy in the West.
Sega has chosen to be different in an era where many games still rely on gacha mechanics and pay-to-win features. The company has opted to exclude these unpopular elements in its upcoming multiplayer game. The focus on player satisfaction rather than profit maximization could be why non-American developers are leading the way in creating globally appealing games.
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InSonic Rumble, players will not encounter gacha mechanics, which are often characterized by spending money for randomized rewards. Instead, Sega has implemented a fixed-price system, allowing players to quickly and easily purchase the items they want.
On your mark, get set…PLAY! Get ready to race in the all-new Sonic Rumble, a speedy, 32-person mobile royale set in a cheery toy world created by Dr. Eggman!Follow@Sonic_Rumblefor info and details on a US playtest!pic.twitter.com/mpo6tA52d1
According toAUTOMATON‘s interview with Makoto Tase the game’s director, this was an intentional decision. Tase andSonicfranchise lead Takashi Iizuka recognized that while Japanese and Asian markets are more accepting of gacha,this model is largely dislikedin Western regions.
We’re aiming for a casual system that allows you to just buy what you want quickly for a small, fixed amount, rather than a gacha system that gives you a certain probability of obtaining items.
The goal, as explained by Tase, was to ensure that players could enjoy the game equally, without being disadvantaged by monetization schemes. The team behind the game was keen to align with global expectations from the very start.
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Iizuka noted that the game was always intended for international success, and this guided the design choices throughout its development. Japanese markets are accustomed to spending large amounts of money to draw rare characters, but Western players expect fairer monetization in games.
As a result, the game’s monetization model was structured around global standards. Instead of relying on gacha mechanics, the game will feature a Season Pass and a Ring Shop. The Season Pass will primarily offer character skins and emotes, while the Ring Shop will allow players to exchange Rings for cosmetic items.
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Sega’s success withSonic Rumblecould set a precedent for other non-American game developers. As Iizuka mentioned, monetization models that work in Japan often fail to work with Western audiences. In Japan, players may be willing to spend large sums to unlock rare characters or items, but Western markets don’t typically do this,especially not in mobile games.
While some Japanese developers, such as Square Enix, continue to implement gacha mechanics in games likeFinal Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis, Western players have pushed back against these strategies, leading to weak sales in some regions.
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Rumble’s gameplay itself also reflects this desire for broad appeal. Developed in collaboration with Rovio, the mobile game studio behindAngry Birds, the game blendsSonic’s iconic characters with a fast-paced, battle royale format that invites players to compete on equal footing.
As companies continue to explore ways to balance monetization and player satisfaction, Sega’s approach withSonic Rumblecould serve as a blueprint for future game releases that aim to reach international audiences.
What do you think of this idea? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1368
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. you may also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
