TCW Podcast Episode 207 - SEGA Saturn Part 2

In the second part of our examination of the SEGA Saturn, we delve into its influences, challenges, and lasting impact. Beginning with a detailed analysis of its pricing strategy, we scrutinize the psychological effect of pricing items at $99, creating an illusion of affordability. We then explore the cultural context in Japan, highlighting the tradition of Otoshidama and its influence on the perception of video games compared to the United States. Additionally, we investigate the collaborative efforts between SEGA of Japan and SEGA of America, particularly in the development of the 32X add-on for the SEGA Genesis. Despite potential advancements, concerns arose about the perceived high cost for a market still viewing video games as disposable toys. The emergence of SEGA's arcade division further complicated matters with the release of Virtua Fighter, signaling the advent of 3D gaming. This shift was notably exemplified by Virtua Fighter's port to the Saturn and the success of SEGA Rally Championship in Japan. Conversely, in the United States, the allure of sprite-based consoles persisted, while the rapidly expanding library of the PlayStation overshadowed the Saturn's appeal.

Reboot 99.99.99: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt2xW8nh864

KFC Christmas Japan: A Delicious Alternate Reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFw-TZzqX8M

The Original Meaning of Otoshidama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5VH9Vp_Yuc

All SEGA CD/32X Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzG-OAdbpC8

TCW 190 - SEGA and CSK Pt 1: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-and-csk-part-1/

TCW 191- SEGA and CSK Pt 2: http://podcast.theycreateworlds.com/e/sega-and-csk-part-2/

SEGA Saturn - Nights into Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFxH6-g8FGQ

Virtua Fighter Arcade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HQ2vspMHA

Japan Sega Saturn Commercials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc3AK8k90xw

Sega Saturn Virtua Fighter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl895zXjfyQ

SEGA Rally Championship (Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x_E1wUvzb4

E3 SEGA Saturn Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UrXV53QKmk

PlayStation E3 299: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvEzZoYb1Y

Tomb Raider (Saturn): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfTnITt-vkU

New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!

TCW Email: [email protected] 

Twitter: @tcwpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds

Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com

Alex's book, published Dec 2019, is available at CRC Press and at major on-line retailers: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1

Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode 

Outro Music: RolemMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love 

Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/