Sega planning more 3DS free-to-play games beyond Initial D

Sega is keen on bringing additional free-to-play titles onto the 3DS beyond its upcoming microtransaction-fueled racing game, Initial D: Perfect Shift Online.

In a Famitsu interview piece translated by Siliconera, Sega’s chief creative officer Toshihiro Nagoshi explained that the upcoming launch of free-to-play 3DS title Initial D: Perfect Shift Online will be the first milestone in a longterm plan to bring multiple F2P offerings to Nintendo’s handheld platform.

"We don’t intend to stop with this title, and after looking over its results, we’ll think about what to do next," Nagoshi said.

"However, unlike games for smartphones, I believe there’s a perfect shape of ways to do things, somewhere out there, for the Nintendo 3DS. I believe that finding it will be our challenge, and in many ways, Initial D will be our first step."

Nagoshi admitted that while there’s plenty of excitement at the moment, the experiment could turn out to be a dud.

"Of course I believe that we might see some unexpected results. It might not even go too well, and there are many possibilities.”

The Nintendo 3DS has a wide audience from elementary school to high school students, but that’s not all. I believe there’s a business chance in the older market. However, nothing is certain for now, but to a degree, giving that a shot is a Sega-like selection. I’m sure if fans take it that way, they will understand."

Nagoshi added that Sega has bounced around several possibilities for potential 3DS free-to-play titles.

"We have suggestions amongst ourselves like ‘wouldn’t this be a perfect game for a F2P title on Nintendo 3DS’ and many more."

Initial D: Perfect Shift Online is currently out in beta in Japan, with an official launch planned for early this year.