dEX: News: Archive: January 1998

Saturnworld is probably one of the biggest Saturn sites out there in terms of traffic. Unfortunately, this site has become increasingly unprofessional. Especially in their responses to reader letters. Not taking letters seriously is one thing, however yesterday, the writers at SW have gone beyond that and were truly offensive. These are the following reader letters and editorial response. The content has been left fully untouched:

Since you guys run one of the biggest Sega sites there is I figured you guys should know this. We've started a Grandia petition at http://lunarnet.simplenet.com. If you've got any way that you might be able to help us out with this, we'd be very appreciative. This is a game that needs an American release.
Ed: Dream on, pal. What a simpleton. Even 700 people buying a Saturn game isn't enough people to consist of a demand.

I have tried all the things to get Pepsi Man in the us version of fighting vipers.....like letting the computer win me perfect....beat the computer perfect and then let it beat me perfect....but it just doesnt work. I know hes supposed to challenge you out of no-where...but i wanna know how to get him to challenge me. specific details please (character to play as, round, etc.)
Ed: Simpleton number 2, please take a bow. Unless you have the Japanese version of the game, you will never find Pepsi man in an American version of Fighting Vipers. Oh wait! We're wrong. So wrong, gosh what were we thinking!??!! Duh! Here is the code: All you need is a microscopic lense that can see ant poo to get a brilliant fleeting glimpse of Pepsi Man streaking butt-naked across the screen when Candy takes off all her clothes in a strip-tease secret scene. To get that, press in U, R, A, B, U, T, T, H, E, A, D, and then pull off 33 half circles and then step on your Saturn, like really hard. (heh heh heh!)
...Today's letters [01/09/98] were compiled by Douglass Perry.

As you can see they are very childish remarks on the editors part. A professional site has no place for such garbage regardless of the context in which the responses were written. I'm assuming that since the letters were compiled by Douglass Perry, he was the one who responded to them. So, who exactly is Dougless Perry? Well, since no system specific internal IGN sites publish staff lists other than the [general] editors email address. I guess one can say this is so they don't have to personally answer for things like this. I do know that Mr. Perry is the editor of IGN's N64.com ([email protected].) Other than that I cannot say what tasks he performs other than acting like a child in remarks as above. I'd take a moment and voice your thoughts to SW by emailing them: [email protected]. Saturnworld may issue an apology by Tuesday, their next update, however there is no excuse for their actions. If they are a professional site, you'd think they edit check stuff before posting..alas they do not.

Fox Interactive Drops Saturn Top

Another third party drops Saturn support. Fox Interactive has cancelled all Saturn development. This means no Alien vs. Predator or Alien Resurrection.

Layoffs At SoA Top

As earlier predicted, with the return from Winter vacation, many employees at SoA returned to receive pink slips. The bulk of the layoffs is expected to be in the marketing, public relations, and development areas. No specifics were given as there hasn't been a formal announcement yet. Sega of Japan will handle most if not all of the remaining Saturn games distribution in the US. Sega of America is expected to do little until Sega's next console arrives.

The layoffs were pretty much well placed as they were in areas that failed abysmally for Sega. The marketing for the Saturn was almost non existent, and when the Saturn was marketed, it was done so poorly. Public relations was also a poor area...as they didn't do much in promoting the system. Development was low, as few native US developed titles were released by Sega...and those that were, were at best average games. Hopefully after the staff reduction, we'll see some very selective hiring of talented people. Then there's the unfinished question of who will function as CEO/COO once Bernie Stolar is on his way out....

EA Drops Saturn Support Top

Read about this yesterday morning, only now had a chance to post this. The header states it plainly. As of Dec 31, 1997, Electronic Arts will no longer publish games for the Sega Saturn. They cited a large decrease in profits, and lack of growth in Saturn software sales. This means we can expect to see no other EA games that haven't made it to the Saturn yet.

My take: While it is a blow to the general feeling toward the Saturn by retailers, it is not a major loss to gamers. As EA has become complacent in developing games since the beginning of the '32-bit era.' They once produced the best sporting games in about every category (even releasing a Rugby title in the States!) but now they've lots their crown to other developers such as Sega (Football/Soccer and Baseball) and SonySoft (American Football.) It's sad to see EA go, as they've been a long time Sega supporter, however their Saturn efforts haven't been very wholehearted with the release of mediocre titles. Lets hope EA tries a little more with Sega's next console....

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