Japanese gaming major, Sega is set to raise employee salaries once again, marking its second major revision in recent years. The change comes three years after Sega last increased wages, reflecting its broader effort to stay competitive in a tightening global talent market.
The company confirmed that salaries for full-time staff at its Japanese subsidiary will be updated, while the starting pay for new graduates will also see a significant lift.
The new compensation structure will take effect from 1 April, 2026. Existing full-time employees will receive an average base salary increase of around 10 per cent. Sega will achieve this by integrating a portion of its bonus payouts into regular salary and shifting to a more flexible system that aligns pay more directly with roles and responsibilities. The company says the revision is aimed at helping employees navigate rising living costs and maintaining a stable work environment.
As part of the update, Sega will raise the starting salary for university graduates from ¥300,000 to ¥330,000 per month — a 10 per cent jump. This follows a sweeping 35 per cent increase made in July 2023, underscoring the company’s ongoing push to invest in its workforce as it expands its global footprint.
Sega has highlighted that its talent strategy goes beyond pay. The organisation has been restructuring its personnel policies to ensure employees can work comfortably and grow within the company. Programmes such as Fami+ for childcare and caregiving support, and Job+ for enabling side projects that encourage innovation, form part of its broader effort to create a flexible and empowering work culture.
The trend extends across Japan’s gaming industry. With labour markets evolving rapidly, major studios are increasingly prioritising employee welfare to retain and attract talent.