Sega Technical Institute

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Sega Technical Institute (STI) was a video game development division within Sega of America, established in 1990. Located in Redwood City, California, STI was a collaborative effort between Sega and several key developers, including members of the Sonic Team. The studio's primary goal was to create high-quality, innovative games for Sega's gaming platforms, particularly the Sega Genesis.

STI is best known for its work on iconic titles such as "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" and "Sonic Spinball." These games played a crucial role in establishing Sonic the Hedgehog as one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the gaming industry. The studio combined the technical expertise of American and Japanese developers to produce cutting-edge games that pushed the capabilities of the Sega Genesis console.

Despite its initial success, Sega Technical Institute faced challenges, and the studio eventually disbanded in the mid-1990s. However, its legacy lives on through the impactful games it created during its relatively short existence, contributing significantly to the Sega Genesis era and the overall history of video game development.