2023 has seen mass layoffs in tech and gaming sectors, but over at Sega, the house of Sonic has announced a 30% salary increase for employees, beginning in July. Sega says that the increase is part of its strategy to “invest in human resources” so that it can create a more comfortable working environment.
“We will continue our efforts to realize a system that allows our employees to grow while realizing diverse work styles, and to provide further experiences that move the heart globally,” Sega said in a statement. According to the game publisher and developer, this increase will see starting monthly salaries rise 35% in total from $1,634 to $2,228. On an annual salary basis, the average increase rate will work out to a 15% increase across the company, Sega added.
This announcement comes shortly after Nintendo confirmed that it will pay its workers 10% more, as Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged companies to increase salaries to offset the rising cost of living due to inflation. Sega’s ability to offer a hefty salary increase comes in the wake of its latest big-budget game, Sonic Frontiers, exceeding the company’s expectations.