Yuji Naka leaving SEGA??

[MegaDrive20XX]

Taken from http://www.sonic-cult.org/

"Good news folks: according to Next Generation, Yuji Naka plans to quit SEGA. Does this mean that we will finally get Sonic games with good gameplay, and Sonic Team will stop their tradition of mothering games (and fucking them up) as their own franchiese which they just bought up from bankrupt companies or assimilated otherwise?

Unfortunetaly no, as Yuji Wanka' also plans on forming a new team that would still have close association with SEGA (why even bother then?). Gee, I can't even begin to guess what the name of the new studio will be. Team Naka? Team Ego? Team Money? Team we-make-puyo-puyo-games-for-your-toaster?"

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http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2515&Itemid=2

Next Generation understands Yuji Naka is planning to set up his own studio. It is possible that the new company will be allied with Sega through some financial arrangement, but details are unknown.

Yuji Naka, 40, is the head of Sega's Sonic Team and was instrumental in creating the first Sonic the Hedgehog game. Throughout the last ten years his influence on Sega's output has been enormous, including Phantasy Star Online and Nights.

[j_factor]

That might be cool. Supposedly he's not very involved at all with actually making games anymore. Founding a new studio could change that, and that wouldn't be a bad thing. As long as it's still with Sega. I'm not just saying that as a Sega fan, I just think that Yuji Naka needs to stay with Sega, for both of their benefits.

However. Yu Suzuki left AM2 to form a new studio like, two and a half years ago, and as far as I know, they still haven't put out shit. The same could happen if Naka goes the same route.

[Melf]

I read that he really wants to go back to programming. If that's true, then perhaps this new studio will give him the chance to do that, and maybe he'll take a more active role in his games. The same thing that's happened to Miyamoto has happened to him: he went from creating the games to merely overseeing them and the quality has dropped big time.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Well one thing is for sure, the new Sonic projects for 360 and PS3 could pretty much turn into a great step for the blue dude. Yet like j Factor says, Yu Suzuki did the same thing and hasn't really pushed anything out...

I just hope he knows what he's doing or if he really does have a plan for the future.

[Joe Redifer]

I want more games like Black Belt on the Master System! Yes, that was a Naka game. So was Phantasy Star (the original). I am sick of the lastest Sonic games. And Phantasy Star Online doesn't even deserve the PS name.

[Melf]

Black Belt? Good god no! I can't afford another controller!

[Genesis Knight]

Unless he gets the rights to the Sonic franchises and characters, I see nothing good coming of this.

[Joe Redifer]

We may actually see good Sonic games again if he DOESN'T work on them any more! He ruined Sonic and he ruined Phantasy Star. Unforgivable!

[mish]

I <3 new sonic games. I <3 PSO. I hate black belt.

[David J.]

Nowadays, Sega is holding him back. I see no reason for him to be there any more. If he does leave, maybe he'll pump out great games again?

[Flash1087]

Can the last few years of Sonic games really be blamed on Naka?

[j_factor]

Naka hasn't been heavily involved in a Sonic game since Adventure... ok, I guess you could say that ruined Sonic.

I say Sonic's still not ruined though.

[Flash1087]

I thought both Adventures and Heroes were alright; nothing great, but I enjoyed them.

Shadow and Riders? Blargh.

[Melf]

It's confirmed that he's leaving. From Next Generation (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2969&Itemid=2):


onfirming rumors, Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka has officially left Sega to start his own studio, called "Prope."Apparently, Naka and Sega are still on amicable terms, as the publisher will contribute 10 percent of the studio's startup capital. Sega said that its support of the company is in line with a plan to help Sega developers form independent companies.

According to Prope's website, the name is derived from the Latin word meaning "'beside' and 'near' future."

It continues, "We named our company PROPE in the hopes of bringing game entertainment much closer to users, establishing closer ties between users and us, and creating near future entertainment."

The firm will commit to new IP, and will officially form on June 1. Projects are yet to be announced.

[Elusive]

"Good news folks: according to Next Generation, Yuji Naka plans to quit SEGA. Does this mean that we will finally get Sonic games with good gameplay, and Sonic Team will stop their tradition of mothering games (and fucking them up) as their own franchiese which they just bought up from bankrupt companies or assimilated otherwise?

Unfortunetaly no, as Yuji Wanka' also plans on forming a new team that would still have close association with SEGA (why even bother then?). Gee, I can't even begin to guess what the name of the new studio will be. Team Naka? Team Ego? Team Money? Team we-make-puyo-puyo-games-for-your-toaster?"

The reason I left that place (and by extension, the entire Sonic the Hedgehog research/technical scene) summed up in two handy-dandy paragraphs. :]

Anyway, it's sad that Naka's left Sega, but I guess he knows what he's doing. Good luck to him, I guess.

[Melf]

Yuji Wanka...Lol!

Maybe he's going to make candy bars! :p

[radjago]

What was the last good game Naka was involved in? NiGHTS?

I hate to say it, but he may be past his prime. I hope I'm wrong.

[j_factor]

What was the last good game Naka was involved in? NiGHTS?

I can't see how anyone would imply Burning Rangers, Chu Chu Rocket, Samba de Amigo, and Napple Tale aren't good games.

But to answer your question? The Rub Rabbits.

[Melf]

Burning Rangers was the shiznit. Gimme a remake with next gen graphics and some more stages, please!

[radjago]

I can't see how anyone would imply Burning Rangers, Chu Chu Rocket, Samba de Amigo, and Napple Tale aren't good games.

But to answer your question? The Rub Rabbits.
Okay you can label me ignorant. Those games are quality.

[Genesis Knight]

I've been looking into that very topic, but finding information on publishers, developers, and the games themselves is daunting. There's almost nothing out there on them at all.

Well, only if you like kooky, offbeat Japanese thangs.