SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog Surpasses Mobile Milestone of 8 Million Downloads in
North America and Europe
Iconic Video Game Character Will Continue His Adventures on Mobile Phones with
Three New Games in 2008
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN FRANCISCO, May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- SEGA(R)
Mobile, a division of SEGA Corporation, today announced that its classic game
Sonic the Hedgehog has surpassed more than 8 million downloads since launching
on mobile phones in North America and Europe. The venerable video icon has
been a stellar performer since launching in early 2006. In North America, the
game has enjoyed its biggest success and consistent Top Seller status on
Verizon Wireless' V CAST service.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080528/NYW013 )
"Sonic the Hedgehog is a title that resonates with a universal audience of
gamers who have grown up with the franchise, as well as with a growing
audience of casual players," said Linda Chaplin, vice president of SEGA
Mobile. "Sonic has appeared in more than 40 games on 19 video game platforms.
The mobile platform has been a great extension for the franchise, allowing
fans and casual players alike to pick up a truly classic game and experience
it all over again on their mobile phones."
SEGA's legendary mascot, and one of the most popular video game characters
of all time, blazed onto mobile phones with a re-creation of the best-selling
first title for the SEGA Genesis console system. Packing in all the
ultra-fast action and gameplay of the original, Sonic the Hedgehog was first
launched exclusively with Verizon Wireless in the U.S. Additional major
carriers in North America and Europe followed, where the game remains a
consistent top seller.
"Sonic the Hedgehog is extremely appealing to our V CAST audience," said
Todd Murphy, director of Mobile Web, games and applications for Verizon.
"Sonic has made a substantial contribution to our multimedia sales over the
past two years, and we look forward to continually working with SEGA to
deliver its classic games and new properties to mobile users everywhere."
Sonic the Hedgehog takes players on a wild ride with the fastest blue
hedgehog on earth through hair-raising loop-de-loops and dizzying dives past
bubbling lava and waterfalls on a quest to gather rings and stop the evil Dr.
Robotnik's plan for world domination. Easy, one-thumb controls and
console-like graphics round out the experience.
SEGA Mobile plans to build on the success of the Sonic brand with the
introduction of three new titles this year, including Sonic at the Olympic
Games, Sonic Spinball and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
For more information about Sonic the Hedgehog, and other upcoming games
for mobile phones, please visit www.SEGAmobile.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and
data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge,
N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more
information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request
broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless
operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at
www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About SEGA of America, Inc.
SEGA(R) of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA(R)
Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and
outside the home. The company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive
entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including
PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA's web site is located at www.SEGA.com.
About SEGA Mobile
SEGA(R) Mobile, a division of SEGA(R) Corporation, publishes high quality
mobile games taking advantage of the company's extensive library of content
and licensed properties. SEGA Mobile has deals with numerous major phone
carriers worldwide. Visit www.SEGAmobile.com for more information.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless
Jeffrey Nelson, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7519,
Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com; Karen Blondell, for SEGA Mobile,
+1-310-922-5838, kblondell@sbcglobal.net; or Andrea Schneider, for SEGA
Mobile, +1-917-769-6060, alsnyc@yahoo.com
