In interview with Sega\'s Takezaki there were some very interesting thing being said,here is the interview from Coremagazine
On the verge of Nintendo\'s annual Spaceworld event, Sega\'s chief publicist Tadashi Takezaki recently sat down with Dengeki GBA in Japan to discuss all things GameCube.
Dengeki GBA : What are your thoughts on the GameCube?
Takezaki : I was really impressed by the software shown at E3, the GameCube is a powerful machine. I\'m looking forward to its release in September.
Dengeki GBA : Do you think the launch price of 25,000 yen ($206) is too high?
Takezaki : I think it\'s a fair price. Considering the capabilities of the GameCube and the hardware included, it\'s relatively cheap. Nintendo has made a concerted effort to keep the price low, and I don\'t think it\'s too experience for children.
Dengeki GBA : Many people are worried about software pricing as well. More aptly, 5,800 to 6,800 yen ($48 to $56) per game is too high, your thoughts?
Takezaki : There were games that cost more than 6,800 yen back in the Famicom days. By no means do I feel software prices are outrageously high today. Considering the cost of development, I feel the current pricing structure is right. When you\'re dealing with such a large audience though, there will always be people who aren\'t satisfied.
Dengeki GBA : What age groups do you feel the GameCube appeal to?
Takezaki : Traditionally Nintendo appeals to younger players. From a pricing standpoint however, the GameCube will appeal to everyone. It all comes down to software though, and how varied their 3rd party lineup will be.
Dengeki GBA : What\'s Sega\'s position on the GameCube?
Takezaki : We\'ve been staunch rivals with Nintendo in the past, but now we have mutual respect for each other in the software market. On the GameCube, we believe our software will appeal to a wide spectrum of players.
Dengeki GBA : How will you decide what titles to release for GameCube?
Takezaki : Decisions will be made on each title based on the characteristics of the game and the strengths of the GameCube. So far, we\'ve decided on Super Monkey Ball, Virtua Striker 3, and Phantasy Star Online. All three games stand to benefit in different ways thanks to the GameCube hardware.
Dengeki GBA : Sega has been very quiet regarding Phantasy Star Online, and online plans for the GameCube in general. Can you shed some light on the subject?
Takezaki: We\'ve been working alongside Nintendo on their networking plans for months, and we\'ve reached several agreements. Full details will be revealed at Spaceworld later this month, don\'t worry.
Dengeki GBA : What about the possibility of inter-console online play?
Takezaki : We\'ve announced plans to offer online play between consoles for upcoming games such as Hot Springs 2, which will be available for the PlayStation 2, Dreamcast, and PC. In regard to extending that program to the GameCube, it\'s something we\'re interested in. It\'s up to the hardware manufacturer though, in this case Nintendo. We\'re not sure whether inter-console online play is part of their online strategy. They may decide to have a closed network structure.
Dengeki GBA : Any parting words for Nintendo players looking forward to Sega\'s lineup?
Takezaki : Until recently, unless you bought a Sega console you weren\'t able to experience our software. We look forward to reaching out to new players on the GameCube and Game Boy Advance in the near future. We hope everyone gets a taste of Sega\'s software.
