Sega Announces Major Salary Increase for Full-Time Staff and New Hires in Japan

Sega, a prominent name in the video game industry, has officially announced a substantial salary increase for its full-time employees and new hires at its Japanese subsidiary.

This move, set to take effect from April 1, 2026, underscores Sega’s sustained commitment to strengthening its workplace environment and enhancing global competitiveness amid the evolving economic landscape in Japan.

The initiative will impact both current staff and incoming university graduates, sending a clear signal to the industry about Sega’s focus on employee well-being. According to information confirmed by Sega and reported by Automaton, the company will raise the average base salary for full-time staff by about 10%.

This adjustment accompanies a restructuring of Sega’s compensation model, introducing greater flexibility in pay structures and integrating annual bonuses directly into employees' base pay.

Such a change promises to offer more predictable and reliable compensation for Sega’s workforce in Japan. New university graduates entering Sega will also benefit directly from these changes.

The starting monthly salary for new hires will increase by 10%, moving from the previous 300,000 yen to 330,000 yen (approximately $2,140 at current exchange rates).

This enhancement follows a previous salary bump in 2023, when Sega raised entry-level pay from 222,000 to 300,000 yen—a progressive trajectory that aligns with Sega's strategy to attract top talent in a competitive labor market. In an official statement, Sega emphasized the motivation behind the decision: "We are revising salary levels for full-time employees and raising starting salaries for new hires at our Japanese subsidiary with the goal of fostering a workplace where employees can work with confidence amid rising living costs, and to attract and nurture outstanding human resources to bolster our global competitiveness." The announcement arrives at a time of significant change within the Japanese and global video game sectors.

While Sega is investing in its workforce, other industry players are pursuing different paths.

Square Enix, another major developer and publisher, recently confirmed significant restructuring across its international offices, resulting in job reductions in the UK, Europe, and the United States.

According to a company progress update, these cost-cutting efforts are expected to yield annual savings of around 3 billion yen, or roughly $19.6 million. Sega's decision to lift salary levels illustrates a markedly positive trend for workers in Japan’s gaming sector.

As the company enhances compensation packages and refines workplace policies, it remains well-positioned to retain and attract the talent needed to drive innovation across hit platforms like Nintendo Switch, the eShop, and beyond.

The wage improvements underscore Sega's reputation as a forward-thinking employer, reinforcing its pivotal role within the ever-evolving landscape of gaming industry development and publishing.

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