well not in so many words but that is what it basically boils down to

>>The newly announced Sega Mega Drive Classics Hub will serve as a 3D front end for emulated Sega ROMs you already own on Steam, simulating the kind of bedroom a diehard Sega fan may have had in the mid-'90s. The hub comes complete with a virtual CRT TV, graphic enhancement filters, a virtual shelf of cartridge boxes, and a day/night cycle to show you just how much time you're wasting in front of decades-old games.

More than these cosmetic changes, though, "every single Mega Drive [read: the Japanese/European name for the Genesis] game will now feature Steam Workshop support, allowing you to share your modified versions of your favorite retro Sega titles," as an official announcement video puts it.<<

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/04/sega-embraces-legal-console-game-modding-with-new-genesis-pc-emulation-hub/

"so expect a lot of "Ecco the Dong-fin" mods to flood the Steam Workshop immediately" - sounds about right. How much are each of these mods going to cost? £2 a character reskin (why not publishers get away with it). And how long before Sega see a nice big market in it?

some how i get the feeling this is the reason why sega isnt on gog

Agree. I've been playing arcade emulation games since I clicked on one of those annoying banner ads way back in the day. This only shows that there is a viable market for these ancient games.

Why do I get the feeling Sega's gonna lock the games down to require Steam running with this update?

I still hate Sega for its action against Streets of Rage Remake.

What amazes me is how often these huge companies fail to see how their own technologies are increasingly directing the markets. It used to be that that markets directed consumer tech... it's pretty much the exact opposite now. Some serious mistakes were made back in the 90s when this industry was still emerging, and they're just now trying to scramble around and find a way to harness the beast they created.

I'm not sure if we should be glad that these rich and powerful people are so clueless... or maybe very concerned with the lack of insight in such lofty places.

I'm trying to be positive and see it as a test run and if it works well they'll come to GOG too.

You can rest easy knowing it's not. The reason SEGA aren't on GOG is SEGA Japan.

Indeed. Though this is the reason Sega pulled all its games from Gamersgate earlier this year.

And why they didn't renew contract with DOTEmu (where the games were DRMfree).

This. Even if i hadn't been a pirate before back in the day and even if i hadn't owned most roms in existence since 14 years ago, i would never give 1 euro to Sega because it proved to be an as@head with what they did concerning that game. They were formally informed about its existence/creation, they technically allowed it to be released and when it was out and a masterpiece and for free, they ordered it to be ceased, on ridiculous legal point to the "donate" button of the Bombergames webpage (they had voluntary donations for the WEBPAGE to cover expenses and bandwidth, NOT charging for the game). Too bad it didn't. And too bad amateurs proved more talented and praiseworthy than original and professionals. Streets of Rage 1/2/3 on Steam suck big time and are Streets of Rage, no Bare Knuckle, full with censorship, differences in story mode and not only, etc. This is a living testament of a fan made game surpassing the originals in each and every aspect. Amateur title hitting AAA and CULT status! They even finished off Sega's slacking back in the day, by restoring motorcycle levels, adding even boat rides and finally making Mr.X and Electra playable, as well as all the 3 secret players of Bare Knuckle 3 (roo, ash, shiva).

Also they have made fresh mods of 1 collection, featuring the stages and routes of Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear and Streets of Rage Mobile routes/stages, 2 collection, featuring the stages and routes of Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear and a fresh new route based on survival challenge from the modder's conception and very soon, the greatest mod ever, Streets of Rage AND Bare Knuckle 3 megamod is to hit up their site! Those mods are the faithful remakes of the classic games and far, far better than the mere, measly roms Sega SELLS, EXPENSIVELY too...

It's now live.

To celebrate the occasion, Sega has discounted their collection on Steam by 66% till May the 1st.

..oh balls
so thats what they update was about

the room looks uh nice i guess
but its still nothing more then a fancy front loader
thankfully sega kept the simple launcher in