Former Disney executive Justin Scarpone has been appointed as the head of transmedia at Sega, marking an exciting new chapter for the gaming company. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Scarpone brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Sega aims to leverage his skills to advance its transmedia strategy and expand its portfolio of intellectual property.
As executive vice president and head of the global transmedia group, Scarpone will be responsible for developing and leading large-scale entertainment business strategies across Asia Pacific and the West. His track record includes launching hit titles such as Line: Disney Tsum Tsum, Kingdom Hearts, and Marvel Future Fight, which have all seen significant financial success. With Scarpone at the helm, Sega hopes to replicate this kind of success across its own intellectual properties.
Sega has a rich history of creating memorable characters and franchises, with Sonic the Hedgehog being one of its most iconic creations. In 2020, the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, co-produced by Paramount Pictures, became a global blockbuster. The success of the film not only led to sequels and continued success in gaming, but also sparked growth in merchandising, animation, live entertainment, and other content and service categories. Sega aims to build upon this success and implement a transmedia strategy that will serve as a key growth pillar for the company in the coming years.
Scarpone’s experience at Disney includes overseeing the licensing and product distribution of all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars merchandise in Japan. This background will undoubtedly be invaluable as he leads Sega’s transmedia efforts. The company has a wide portfolio of intellectual property, including popular franchises such as Persona, Like a Dragon, and Angry Birds. With Scarpone’s guidance, Sega plans to leverage these properties across various media platforms to maximize their reach and impact.
The appointment of Scarpone as head of transmedia at Sega demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the entertainment industry. By combining gaming with other forms of media, Sega aims to create a cohesive and immersive experience for its audience. This approach aligns with the growing trend of transmedia storytelling, where narratives are spread across multiple platforms and media formats.
With Scarpone’s leadership, Sega is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by transmedia. The establishment of a Global Transmedia Group will allow the company to streamline its efforts and ensure a unified approach across its diverse intellectual properties. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Sega is taking proactive steps to stay ahead of the curve and deliver innovative and engaging experiences to its audience.
In conclusion, Sega’s appointment of Justin Scarpone as head of transmedia signals a new era for the company. With his extensive experience and proven track record, Scarpone is poised to lead Sega’s transmedia strategy and elevate the company’s intellectual properties to new heights. As fans eagerly await the next Sonic the Hedgehog movie and other exciting projects, Sega is positioning itself as a major player in the transmedia landscape.