Online DC network sees record highs

Sega have announced that the Dreamcast network has broken through the 250,000 user mark. This is quite surprising considering how few DC games make use of online play.

Sega seem to be gearing up their Dreamcast network options, though, with the announcement of some pay-per-play services. Each of these services will be featured for around six months (possibly for a longer time, though, if demand warrants it). The first pay-per-play service will be offered for the upcoming Dreamcast game, Make Your Own Baseball Team. This service starts on August 5, and will enable players to pit a team of their creation against teams created by other players. The service will be offered for 50 yen (about 25 pence) per round (round may mean game session or inning). A similar service will be offered for Make Your Own J-League Pro Soccer Team, the pricing for which is yet to be decided.

Finally, Sega will be offering a pay-per play service for Atsumete Guru Onsen (which seems to translate as "Collect More and More Hotsprings"). The game is a collection of mini-games, including mah-jong, shougi (a Japanese chess game), cards, and various other such table games. The service will enable users to play online and begins some time this year (presumably after the game is released).

Courtesy of IGN.com