Sega CD
Released in 1988, the Genesis (known as the Mega Drive in Europe and Japan) was Sega's entry into the fourth generation of video game consoles. In mid-1990, Sega CEO Hayao Nakayama hired Tom Kalinske as CEO of Sega of America. Kalinske developed a four-point plan for sales of the Genesis: cut the console's price, develop games for the American market with a new American team, continue aggressive advertising campaigns, and ship "Sonic the Hedgehog" with the Genesis as a pack-in game. The Japanese board of directors initially disapproved of the plan, but all four points were approved by Nakayama, who told Kalinske, "I hired you to make the decisions for Europe and the Americas, so go ahead and do it." Magazines praised "Sonic" as one of the greatest games yet made, and Sega's console finally took off as customers who had been waiting for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) decided to purchase a Genesis instead.
Sega Visions
Sega Visions was a video game magazine focusing on games made for Sega video game machines such as Sega Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, and Sega CD. Its premiere issue in June/July 1990 was sent free to registered Master System and Genesis owners. It was created by Sega and was initially published by The Communique Group. In 1992, Infotainment World (who also published the popular game magazine GamePro) took over publishing for the rest of its lifespan. The Editor in Chief for Issues 8 through 17 was Nic Lavroff. For Issues 18 through 25 the Editor in Chief was Kurt Busch. The magazine had a rather sporadic release schedule, some issues being two months apart, others four months. Sega Visions ended its run after 25 issues with its September 1995 issue being the last published. Nowhere in the magazine was there any reference made to it being the final issue and text in a caption told the reader to check out the next issue of Sega Visions for more information on mind-blowing theme parks featuring Sega games.