| Case Title | Competitive Dynamics in Home Video Games (G): Launching the Sega Saturn |
| Case Author(s) |
Coughlan, Peter J. Freier, Debbie
|
| University | Harvard Business School |
| Abstract | Sega is in a dilemma whether to launch its 32-bit CD-ROM Saturn as scheduled or before Sony launches its PlayStation. First mover advantage was attributed to its past success against Nintendo, but being the first this time round runs the risk of a weak launch with limited product offering and supply. Taking its own time, however, may mean being marginalized in the crowded market. This case is the seventh in a series of cases on competition in the home video game industry spanning 1970 to the new millennium. |
| Available In | The Harvard case collection |
| Publisher | Harvard Business School Publishing |
| Publisher Case No. | 9-701-097 |
| Distributor(s) | Harvard Business School Publishing Ivey Publishing European Case Clearing House |
| Pub/Rev Date | 2001 |
| ISBN | |
| Case Length | 2 |
| Teaching Note | No |
| Pub TN Ref No. | |
| Pages (TN) | |
| Issues | Weighing the costs and benefits of being the first to market in the highly competitive home video game industry. |
| Organisation(s) |
Sega Enterprises Ltd
Sony
|
| Countries | Japan |
| Industry | Computers & Electronics |
| Period Covered | 2001 & beyond |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Links of Interest |
Sega's Saturn and PC Games Sega Corporation homepage Sega Japan homepage |
| Back | |