Sega and online games: Huge potential that ends in failure

Now I'd like to rant a bit on the translated Famitsu article that was posted over at PSO world. It's nice how Sega still hasn't learned anything from PSO. It seems they just enjoy watching thier games die off. I don't know maybe it's time to go back to the basics or something and you know maybe advertise the games outside of Japan?

I think it would help to go back to that "The game should allow players all over the world to interact" idea. This multi-sever set up Sega has going is just stupid. You have the Japanese PC/PS2 sever separated from the rest of the world and then you have an Xbox 360 server that is by itself. What's the hell is with this? Did someone at Sega think it was a good idea to have the game compete against itself along with other online RPG's? The two server thing Sega had going with PSO Ep1&2 sucked so I don't understand why they would do this crap again. If (more like when) there is a new online Phantasy Star game if Sega goes this route again I'd seriously considering avoiding the game.

The next part would be the "giving regular content updates" thing; but I think I've been complaining enough about that though. You know the two month update delay from MAG, no updates because of the Neudiaz GBR, etc.

The final thing I want to touch on is about how people are surprised about the Xbox 360 server's stable population. I for one don't find it surprising at all. After all they are using Microsoft's shitty billing system that uses the philosophy of "easy to sign up; pain in the ass to cancel" since you have to call their horrible support line. I really wouldn't be surprised if a large number accounts were from people that stopped play but had their accounts active because they didn't know how to cancel or thought it was canceled when it really wasn't. Just throwing the word "cancel" into a search of the 360's technical support forum brings up a number of topics, like this one here, asking about it.

I really want Sega to allow PSU to reach its full potential but I fear it is to late now.