"Having shipped more than 17 networked console games to date, SEGA is the undisputed pioneer in online console gaming, and Sega.com helped make it possible by creating and supporting the technology backbone," said Mr. Ryoichi Shiratsuchi, CEO of Sega.com and general manager, Network Business Division, SEGA Corporation. "From building the first high-speed online console gaming network to offering Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 developers a solution for implementing a network gaming environment with SNAP, Sega.com is truly committed to the future of the video game industry -- online gaming."
SNAP provides game developers and publishers with a comprehensive suite of technologies and services that allows them to easily incorporate networked gameplay into their titles, saving valuable development time and costs. Featuring state-of-the-art technology, SNAP includes community building tools and a custom network transport optimized for gameplay, allowing for quick and flexible communication. SNAP also provides secure user authentication that promotes community trust by preventing fraud, and facilitates revenue by connecting to billing systems. Reporting technologies enable ladders, tournaments, rankings, and other stats-based activities that are crucial to cultivating a game's online community.