On November 6, 2024, Sega confirmed a surprising announcement that over 60 beloved classic games will be removed from digital storefronts. The list includes iconic titles such as Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, and Altered Beast. Gamers will lose access to purchasing these games on major platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, by December 6, 2024. Sega’s decision has stirred mixed emotions, with many fans feeling disappointed over the removal of nostalgic favorites.
Why Is Sega Delisting These Games?
Sega has not offered a clear reason for this decision, but there is speculation. Some believe Sega may be preparing to re-release these classics in new collections or bundles. This approach is not new, Sega pulled various Sonic games from online stores in the past, only to bring them back in the Sonic Origins collection. While this is only speculation, fans hope Sega might be planning something similar with these classic titles.
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Which Games Will Be Delisted?
The games affected include over 60 titles across platforms:
- Steam: A total of 62 Sega games will be removed, covering various fan-favorites.
- Xbox: 12 Sega classics, including some backwards-compatible Xbox 360 games, will no longer be available.
- PlayStation and Nintendo Switch: The Sega Genesis Classics collection will be removed from both platforms, making these games inaccessible for new purchases.
Popular games like Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, and Altered Beast are among the confirmed titles set for delisting. Fans have expressed concern, as these games represent a nostalgic era of gaming history.
Here is the full list of Sega games being removed from Steam in December.
- Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
- Alien Soldier
- Alien Storm
- Altered Beast
- Beyond Oasis
- Bio-Hazard Battle
- Bonanza Bros
- Columns
- Columns III
- Comix Zone
- Crack Down
- Crazy Taxi
- Decap Attack
- Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine
- Dreamcast Collection Bundle
- Dynamite Headdy
- Ecco Jr.
- Ecco the Dolphin
- Ecco: The Tides of Time
- ESWAT: City Under Siege
- Eternal Champions
- Fatal Labyrinth
- Flicky
- Galaxy Force II
- Gain Ground
- Golden Axe
- Golden Axe II
- Golden Axe III
- Gunstar Heroes
- Jet Set Radio
- Kid Chameleon
- Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole
- Light Crusader
- Mega Drive and Genesis Classic Bundle
- NiGHTS into Dreams
- Phantasy Star II
- Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom
- Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium
- Ristar
- SEGA Bass Fishing
- Shadow Dancer
- Shining Force
- Shining Force II
- Shining in the Darkness
- Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
- Sonic 3D Blast
- Sonic Spinball
- Space Channel 5: Part 2
- Space Harrier II
- Streets of Rage
- Streets of Rage 2
- Streets of Rage 3
- Super Thunder Blade
- Sword of Vermilion
- The Revenge of Shinobi
- ToeJam & Earl
- ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkoton
- VectorMan
- VectorMan 2
- Virtua Fighter 2
- Wonder Boy in Monster World
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair
What Happens to Games You Already Own?
If you’ve already purchased these Sega games, there’s good news. Sega has reassured players that they will still have access to the games in their libraries. This means any games you own will remain available for download and play, even after December 6. However, if you haven’t purchased these titles yet, you’ll need to act fast to secure them before they disappear.
Impact on Gamers and the Gaming Community
The news of these delistings has created waves in the gaming community. Fans are voicing concerns about game preservation and the accessibility of classic games for future generations. Many gamers argue that removing these titles limits the chance for new players to experience them. While some hope Sega will offer updated ways to play these classics, the immediate reaction is a sense of urgency to buy these games before they disappear.
For game historians and preservationists, this decision highlights a recurring challenge: how to keep video game history alive and accessible. With digital storefronts often as the only source for classic titles, delistings can mean a permanent loss of access unless companies offer new ways to play these games.
Is Sega Planning New Releases or Collections?
While Sega hasn’t confirmed any future collections, they have been working on reboots and refreshed versions of classic titles. Sega has plans to develop new versions of Crazy Taxi and other games, which may explain this move. By delisting original versions, Sega might be aiming to drive interest in upcoming re-releases or remastered collections. However, until these new versions are officially available, fans are left wondering how soon they’ll get a chance to revisit these classics in updated formats.
How to Prepare for the Delisting
If you’re a fan of Sega’s classics, the best course of action is to purchase any titles you want before the December 6 deadline. This will ensure you have access to these games even after they are removed from digital storefronts. Here are some tips:
- Check Your Favorite Platform: Confirm which games are available on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or Steam, and decide if there are any must-haves.
- Complete Your Collection: This might be your last chance to add these titles to your library in their current digital format.
- Watch for Future Sega Announcements: Sega might unveil new collections or bundles as an alternative for fans who missed out.
The Gaming Community’s Take on Sega’s Move
Gamers are sharing mixed feelings. On one hand, many are nostalgic and saddened by the sudden delisting of so many titles. On the other, there’s cautious optimism that Sega could bring back these games in a more modern format. As the December 6 deadline approaches, fans are urged to seize the chance to secure their favorite Sega classics before they’re gone.
Sega’s Bigger Strategy and What’s Next
Sega’s delisting move might reflect a bigger plan to modernize its game library. By removing older versions, Sega could be making way for remastered or reimagined editions of its classic games. While there’s no official confirmation, the idea aligns with Sega’s past actions and its ongoing project to refresh iconic games like Crazy Taxi.
In Conclusion: A Call to Preserve and Celebrate Sega’s Legacy
Sega’s decision to delist these 60-plus games has left many fans with a mix of nostalgia and concern. While Sega promises continued access to owned games, the removal is still significant. For now, the best way for fans to preserve these titles is to purchase them before December 6. In the meantime, the gaming community remains hopeful that Sega will continue to honor its rich history by offering new ways to experience these classics in the future.
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