SEGA Interactive Development Division

The story of the Sega Interactive Development Division (SIDD) begins with its founders, Rod Nakamoto and his wife Nancy Nakamoto. Their vision and entrepreneurial spirit set the groundwork for SIDD, ultimately leading to the creation of numerous iconic games and firmly establishing SIDD's legacy in gaming history.

Rod Nakamoto's retirement heralded the arrival of John "Johnny Turbo" Brandstetter as Studio Director. Brandstetter, an industry veteran, came to Sega from Turbo Technologies Inc., where he led the Turbo-Duo and Turbo Grafx brands. His comprehensive knowledge of software, hardware, game development, and production management brought new dynamism to SIDD and marked a new era of creativity and innovation for the division.

Brandstetter's leadership nurtured an environment of creative growth at SIDD. His team, including notable contributors like Mark Nausha, thrived under his guidance, leading to the production of a multitude of iconic games: Bonkers, Eternal Champions, Eternal Champions Challenge from the Dark Side, Star Wars 32x, Garfield, David Robinson Basketball, 32Xtreme, Ratchet and Bolt, Super Star Wars SVP, Biker Mice from Mars, Alien Hive, Star Wars Saturn, Sonic Spinball, Sonic 3D, Dangerous Journeys, Darkwing Duck, Tailspin, and Green-Dog.

A pivotal figure in the division was Chris Warner, who developed many of the underlying engines and technology that powered SIDD's success. Alongside John Kuwaye, Mike Terlecki, and others, they formed a formidable team that advanced the frontiers of game development. Brandstetter brought in advanced development technologies, drawing from his team's experiences at Hudson Soft Japan. These innovations and the tools they developed were adopted widely across Sega, significantly improving the efficiency of game development.

SIDD's strong relationship with Sega of Japan, facilitated by Brandstetter's global perspective and past connections with Hudson Soft and NEC, resulted in SIDD creating globally acclaimed products and contributing to the unity of Eastern and Western game development.

Hardware development was another SIDD forte. Significant strides were made in the development of the Sega Saturn, Neptune, and preliminary work on Mars units, creating new paradigms in the gaming experience. An example of the team's dedication was seen in their work on Star Wars 32x, where Brandstetter prioritized processing power over extra RAM, reinforcing their commitment to quality. The Sonic 3D project, though never released, showcased the team's ambition to challenge the norms of the gaming industry.

Among the many creations of SIDD, the renowned Eternal Champions series, co-developed by Brandstetter and John Kuwaye, stands out. A thrilling sequel is currently in the works, much to the excitement of fans worldwide.

Post SIDD, Brandstetter established Point of View Inc., and later, Flying Tiger Entertainment, with many of his SIDD team members joining him. Their innovations in game development continued to shine through their work on Dreamcast's Geist Force, and later, on World of Warcraft, utilizing unique concepts they had developed for an unreleased Saturn title.

As Brandstetter's distinguished career continues to unfold, the gaming industry eagerly awaits his ongoing contributions and those from his talented team. The enduring legacy of SIDD, initiated by the Nakamotos and propelled by Brandstetter and his team, continues to impact the gaming landscape significantly.

Contact Address (1988):

Interactive Designs

2453 W.228th Street

Torrance, CA 90501

U.S.A.

Phone: (213) 530-1832