Unofficial Space Channel 5 Swingin' Web Space

2003.10.10
Tetsuya Mizuguchi to exit Sega
The Sega restructuring has prompted Space Channel 5 producer to leave Sega. [original article source: GameSpot]

Space Channel 5 designer announces he will dissolve long-standing relationship with publisher.

Sega's development department suffered a major blow today when legendary designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi announced he will be leaving the company. Mizuguchi has been working under the Sega banner for more than 10 years and is known for being the producer on a number of best-selling titles such as Sega Rally, Rez, and Space Channel 5.

After retiring on October 10, Mizuguchi will continue to do freelance work in the gaming industry under an as-yet-unnamed independent company that he will be establishing.

News of Mizuguchi's departure was made public during Tokyo Game Lounge, a webcast radio program produced in Tokyo. This most recent webcast took place on October 7. Mizuguchi spoke with Hirabayashi Hisakazu on the program.

Mizuguchi's comments come directly from yesterday's show:

"As United Game Artists broke up at the end of September, this is good timing for me to become independent.

"I will go freelance beginning October 10, when I quit Sega.

"I like Sega as a company. I've worked there for 14 years. I thank for them [for that experience], but on a personal level, this is good timing. I feel good about it.

"When I look at the current game industry and think about my future as an artist, in terms of growing and being challenged, this is the right time for me to break out from [the corporate structure] and become a freelance producer and creator in different media.

"After starting at Sega, I thought I would leave the game industry sooner, but the more I became involved in the game industry, [the] more I started to enjoy making games I enjoy creating games, and I want to keep that positive feeling about making games. I want to stay being excited about producing games.

"I never felt confident enough to be independent, until now. But I had the time and opportunity to think about [it] and I felt, yes, this is time.

"Games are a very unique medium. They exist beyond language, beyond culture, and people are fascinated by games. I don't know how long I will live, but I want to learn more about games--and there is more to learn about creating better games.

"I feel that I should let myself face more challenges. I'm fell very confident right now. I feel more confident than ever, and [I feel] more excited than ever.

"I want to do many things, but games are still my home ground. I will continue producing game. I want to make games that are international, innovative, and sensational

"When I leave Sega, I think more about [the] future of the game industry as a whole."

Additional reports from Japan cite the designer's dissatisfaction with Sega's recent reorganization as being the prime factor behind his departure.

The reorganization saw Mizuguchi's semi-autonomous United Game Artists disband and its members folded into Sonic Team, both Sega subsidiaries. The movement was a part of a major corporate restructuring that took place in the Sega group at the end of September; employees were not laid off during the changes.

While not a total surprise--Mizuguchi told TGL he had a "major announcement" forthcoming in late September--the news comes as Sega is at a crossroads. Although the company posted a strong profit in the most recent quarter, its stock price remains below $3, making this holiday season's sales numbers all the more important.

By Hirohiko Niizumi, Tor Thorsen, GameSpot

2003.10.01
United Game Artists Has Signed Off!
The following letter is now on the mainpage of UGA's website:

Thank you so much for visiting u-ga.com.
Due to SEGA R&D studio's reorganization,
United Game Artists transferred its entire business into Sonicteam Ltd.
as of 1st October, 2003 JPT.

We sincerely appreciate your enthusiastic support.
Best wishes to you all!

For further information, please visit SONICTEAM

2003.09.09
Space Channel 5 Desktop Wallpapers Now Available!
Dress up your screen with some stylish Desktop Wallpapers. Most of these wallpapers were originally and still might be available through Sega's and UGA's websites. I'll be adding credit information shortly.

2003.09.01
Brand New Site Coming VERY Soon!
Hi hi! Sorry for the long break but I'm back and things are going to be better than ever! Look forward to:

2003.05.25
Lady Miss Kier Vs. Ulala
On April 28, 2003, the British singer Lady Miss Kier (Kierin Kirby), lead singer of the '90s pop group Deee-Lite, filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the U.S. arm of video game publisher Sega. Kirby claims that the company improperly used her image for the character "Ulala" in its games "Space Channel 5" and "Space Channel 5 Part 2." The suit asks for damages of at least $750,000.

The suit reads that Sega's character Ulala "bears a striking physical similarity and likeness to plaintiff." Kirby is charging the company with infringement of right of publicity, misappropriation of likeness, unfair competition, unjust enrichment and other claims.

"The similarities and likenesses include the same or nearly the same distinctive make-up, large eyelashes, doe eyes, red/pink hair, pony tails, cute backpacks, mini-skirts, knee-socks, knee-high boots, and platform shoes," the lawsuit reads. "The similarities and likenesses are so close that viewers, listeners, and consumers were and are confused or likely to become confused between Ulala and plaintiff."

Another point of potential confusion between Ulala and Lady Miss Kier is the 1970s' funky vibe of the games, its music and the character's dance moves, allegedly similar to the moves and style in the music video for Deee-lite's international hit "Groove Is in the Heart." In addition, the suit points out that the name Ulala is a phonetic spelling of Lady Miss Kier's signature expression "ooh-la-la."

Kirby claims that Sega proposed to pay her $16,000 to license her name, image and songs for the game, but that she rejected their offer. And it wasn't until Kirby later learned that the videogame maker went ahead and used her resemblance anyway that she decided to take the matter to court.

2003.04.04
Space Channel 5 Ver. Haru
Space Channel 5 Version Haru is out just in time for spring. Unfortunately, you have to subscribe through the J-Phone service. Something we can't get outside of Japan. It's really cute though. Cherry blossoms grace your cell phone screen as Ulala and the Morilians dance.

2003.03.23
Space Channel 5 Part 2 Coming to North America!!
My brother was on the EB Games website and found Agetec is publishing both Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5 Part 2 for the PS2 pleasing groovy North Americans. Space Channel 5 is due out June 10, 2003 and Space Channel 5 Part 2 will ship on July 8, 2003. No official website available yet.

2003.03.06
Hey Artists!
Want me to link to your site? Please e-mail me Space Channel 5 fan art! In exchange, Your art will be on display on my site and I'll link to you.

2003.02.07
Space Channel 5: Ulala's Cosmic Attack (GBA)
Publisher THQ has announced a U.S. Release date of May 27, 2003 (which would mean May 28 here in Canada). Honestly, it looks like it might be a direct port of the original Space Channel 5. I'm still excited though.
THQ's official SC5 website


	The Latest News • News Archives 2003
Site pages: Game Information Character Data Music Merchandise Fan Art Desktop Wallpapers Links	2003.10.10 Tetsuya Mizuguchi to exit Sega The Sega restructuring has prompted Space Channel 5 producer to leave Sega. [original article source: GameSpot] Space Channel 5 designer announces he will dissolve long-standing relationship with publisher. Sega's development department suffered a major blow today when legendary designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi announced he will be leaving the company. Mizuguchi has been working under the Sega banner for more than 10 years and is known for being the producer on a number of best-selling titles such as Sega Rally, Rez, and Space Channel 5. After retiring on October 10, Mizuguchi will continue to do freelance work in the gaming industry under an as-yet-unnamed independent company that he will be establishing. News of Mizuguchi's departure was made public during Tokyo Game Lounge, a webcast radio program produced in Tokyo. This most recent webcast took place on October 7. Mizuguchi spoke with Hirabayashi Hisakazu on the program. Mizuguchi's comments come directly from yesterday's show: "As United Game Artists broke up at the end of September, this is good timing for me to become independent. "I will go freelance beginning October 10, when I quit Sega. "I like Sega as a company. I've worked there for 14 years. I thank for them [for that experience], but on a personal level, this is good timing. I feel good about it. "When I look at the current game industry and think about my future as an artist, in terms of growing and being challenged, this is the right time for me to break out from [the corporate structure] and become a freelance producer and creator in different media. "After starting at Sega, I thought I would leave the game industry sooner, but the more I became involved in the game industry, [the] more I started to enjoy making games I enjoy creating games, and I want to keep that positive feeling about making games. I want to stay being excited about producing games. "I never felt confident enough to be independent, until now. But I had the time and opportunity to think about [it] and I felt, yes, this is time. "Games are a very unique medium. They exist beyond language, beyond culture, and people are fascinated by games. I don't know how long I will live, but I want to learn more about games--and there is more to learn about creating better games. "I feel that I should let myself face more challenges. I'm fell very confident right now. I feel more confident than ever, and [I feel] more excited than ever. "I want to do many things, but games are still my home ground. I will continue producing game. I want to make games that are international, innovative, and sensational "When I leave Sega, I think more about [the] future of the game industry as a whole." Additional reports from Japan cite the designer's dissatisfaction with Sega's recent reorganization as being the prime factor behind his departure. The reorganization saw Mizuguchi's semi-autonomous United Game Artists disband and its members folded into Sonic Team, both Sega subsidiaries. The movement was a part of a major corporate restructuring that took place in the Sega group at the end of September; employees were not laid off during the changes. While not a total surprise--Mizuguchi told TGL he had a "major announcement" forthcoming in late September--the news comes as Sega is at a crossroads. Although the company posted a strong profit in the most recent quarter, its stock price remains below $3, making this holiday season's sales numbers all the more important. By Hirohiko Niizumi, Tor Thorsen, GameSpot 2003.10.01 United Game Artists Has Signed Off! The following letter is now on the mainpage of UGA's website: Thank you so much for visiting u-ga.com. Due to SEGA R&D studio's reorganization, United Game Artists transferred its entire business into Sonicteam Ltd. as of 1st October, 2003 JPT. We sincerely appreciate your enthusiastic support. Best wishes to you all! For further information, please visit SONICTEAM I'm quite sad about the announcement, but UGA doesn't produce too many games so I am not shocked by it either. I am surprised and really crushed that they have taken down their entire website, including the official pages for Space Channel 5, SC5 Part 2 and Rez. I do not know how this will effect the Space Channel 5 J-Phone service or possible sequels to Space Channel 5 or Rez. UGA was absorbed by SonicTeam so hopefully future projects by this development team will utilize the funk, flare and imagination of the amazing UGA. Sayonara, United Game Artists. It has been a pleasure. 2003.09.09 Space Channel 5 Desktop Wallpapers Now Available! Dress up your screen with some stylish Desktop Wallpapers. Most of these wallpapers were originally and still might be available through Sega's and UGA's websites. I'll be adding credit information shortly. 2003.09.01 Brand New Site Coming VERY Soon! Hi hi! Sorry for the long break but I'm back and things are going to be better than ever! Look forward to: Packaging of the games and soundtracks from around the world More Desktop Wallpapers Screen grabs from the Sapce Channel 5 J-Phone cellular service An image gallery of promotional items, collectibles, cosplay, and other space swag News from UGA about upcoming projects Anything else I think of So tighten up your moon boots because we're going to groove into orbit! 2003.05.25 Lady Miss Kier Vs. Ulala On April 28, 2003, the British singer Lady Miss Kier (Kierin Kirby), lead singer of the '90s pop group Deee-Lite, filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the U.S. arm of video game publisher Sega. Kirby claims that the company improperly used her image for the character "Ulala" in its games "Space Channel 5" and "Space Channel 5 Part 2." The suit asks for damages of at least $750,000. The suit reads that Sega's character Ulala "bears a striking physical similarity and likeness to plaintiff." Kirby is charging the company with infringement of right of publicity, misappropriation of likeness, unfair competition, unjust enrichment and other claims. "The similarities and likenesses include the same or nearly the same distinctive make-up, large eyelashes, doe eyes, red/pink hair, pony tails, cute backpacks, mini-skirts, knee-socks, knee-high boots, and platform shoes," the lawsuit reads. "The similarities and likenesses are so close that viewers, listeners, and consumers were and are confused or likely to become confused between Ulala and plaintiff." Another point of potential confusion between Ulala and Lady Miss Kier is the 1970s' funky vibe of the games, its music and the character's dance moves, allegedly similar to the moves and style in the music video for Deee-lite's international hit "Groove Is in the Heart." In addition, the suit points out that the name Ulala is a phonetic spelling of Lady Miss Kier's signature expression "ooh-la-la." Kirby claims that Sega proposed to pay her $16,000 to license her name, image and songs for the game, but that she rejected their offer. And it wasn't until Kirby later learned that the videogame maker went ahead and used her resemblance anyway that she decided to take the matter to court. 2003.04.04 Space Channel 5 Ver. Haru Space Channel 5 Version Haru is out just in time for spring. Unfortunately, you have to subscribe through the J-Phone service. Something we can't get outside of Japan. It's really cute though. Cherry blossoms grace your cell phone screen as Ulala and the Morilians dance. 2003.03.23 Space Channel 5 Part 2 Coming to North America!! My brother was on the EB Games website and found Agetec is publishing both Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5 Part 2 for the PS2 pleasing groovy North Americans. Space Channel 5 is due out June 10, 2003 and Space Channel 5 Part 2 will ship on July 8, 2003. No official website available yet. 2003.03.06 Hey Artists! Want me to link to your site? Please e-mail me Space Channel 5 fan art! In exchange, Your art will be on display on my site and I'll link to you. 2003.02.07 Space Channel 5: Ulala's Cosmic Attack (GBA) Publisher THQ has announced a U.S. Release date of May 27, 2003 (which would mean May 28 here in Canada). Honestly, it looks like it might be a direct port of the original Space Channel 5. I'm still excited though. THQ's official SC5 website To The Latest News
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Space Channel 5 is owned and copyrighted by United Game Artists and Sega Corporation. The Swingin' Web Space is an independant website providing news and information out of the love for the game. In other words, this is a fanpage. Official images on this site were used without permission but ever lovingly so.