View source for Dreamcast online functionality

{{Short description|Sega gaming console with Internet access}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
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The [[Dreamcast]] is a [[home video game console]] by [[Sega]], the first one introduced in the [[sixth generation of video game consoles]]. With the release of the Dreamcast in 1998 amid the [[dot-com bubble]] and mounting losses from the development and introduction of its new home console, Sega made a major gamble in attempting to take advantage of the growing public interest in the Internet by including online capabilities in the console as a selling point. As such, the Dreamcast was the first console to include a built-in [[modem]] for Internet support and online play.{{NoteTag|The [[Apple Bandai Pippin]], released in 1996, included a 14.4 {{Abbr|kbit/s|kilobits per second}} external modem that plugged into a [[GeoPort]]-capable [[serial port]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Richard |title=The Mac gaming console that time forgot |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/03/the-mac-gaming-console-time-has-forgot/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |access-date=October 24, 2021 |language=en-us |date=March 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409042452/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/03/the-mac-gaming-console-time-has-forgot/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pollack |first1=Andrew |title=Is Pippin a Breakthrough or Outmoded on Arrival? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/14/business/is-pippin-a-breakthrough-or-outmoded-on-arrival.html |access-date=October 24, 2021 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 14, 1996 |page=D1 |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024025200/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/14/business/is-pippin-a-breakthrough-or-outmoded-on-arrival.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}} Sega would end up leaning heavily into the online capabilities to sell the Dreamcast as hype grew for [[Sony]]'s then-upcoming competitor, the [[PlayStation 2]], which also promised online gaming in addition to its DVD capabilities.

To create further incentive for use of the Dreamcast's online capabilities, Sega went beyond the scope of their prior online ventures and invested heavily in the development of unified online services for it, a concept that predated former partner [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox Live]] service by a few years. Sega also predated Microsoft in pioneering the concept of [[downloadable content]] for games released on a console, though it was hampered by the small memory of the [[VMU]]. Despite the foresight Sega had in the emergence of broadband [[Internet access]] by making the modem modular and upgradeable with a [[Network interface controller|broadband adapter]], the services mainly supported [[dial-up Internet access]] throughout their lifetimes; only in Japan did broadband service arrive for the Dreamcast before Sega discontinued it in 2001, abandoning the console business altogether with its transition to third-party publishing. The services were gradually discontinued by Sega in the subsequent years; the last remaining service lingered on in Japan before it was shut down in 2007. In response, hobbyists have revived parts of the online services by creating [[private servers]] for a handful of games that had their official servers shut down.

== Hardware ==
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Modem-Dialup-FL.jpg|thumb|The 56K modem that was included with the Dreamcast]]
Sega produced two networking accessories for the Dreamcast worldwide, one for dial-up connections and one for broadband connections. A third accessory, also intended for broadband connections, was only available in Japan. All adapters are visually similar to each other; however, the first accessory includes a [[telephone jack]] while the latter two accessories include an [[RJ45]] jack for [[Ethernet]] instead. The adapters attach flush to an [[expansion port]] on the side of the Dreamcast.<ref name="Dreamcast specs outline - Sega">{{cite book |title=Dreamcast Hardware Specification Outline |date=September 3, 1999 |publisher=Sega Enterprises Development Department |page=5}}</ref><ref name="BBA manual">{{cite book |title=Dreamcast Broadband Adapter Instruction Manual |year=2000 |publisher=Sega Corporation}}</ref> Sega also produced a [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]] and a [[computer mouse]] for easier navigation of the Internet on the Dreamcast.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Williamson|first=Colin|date=August 18, 2000|title=Dreamcast Keyboard and Mouse (Import)|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/19/dreamcast-keyboard-and-mouse-import|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625015306/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/19/dreamcast-keyboard-and-mouse-import|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Modem Adapter ===
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Modem-Dialup-Motherboard-B.jpg|right|thumb|The motherboard for the dial-up modem, which shows a Conexant chip]]
The '''Modem Adapter''' is a [[Dial-up Internet access|dial-up]] [[modem]] that was included with most Dreamcast consoles sold worldwide, excluding Brazil and regions of Asia outside Japan.<ref name="dreamcast_jogo">{{cite news|last=Oliveira|first=Otavio Dias de|date=September 11, 1999|title=Sega Dreamcast estoura nas lojas|language=pt|volume=79|pages=5–3|newspaper=Folha de S.Paulo|publisher=Grupo Folha|issue=25728|location=São Paulo|url=http://acervo2.folha.com.br/2/19/9/61/610919/1024/610919.png|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303194536/http://acervo2.folha.com.br/2/19/9/61/610919/1024/610919.png|archive-date=March 3, 2016|issn=1414-5723}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Chris |title=Dreamcast: Modem or Not? |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcast-modem-or-not/1100-2451727/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |work=GameSpot |date=April 23, 1999}}</ref> In Brazil, where the adapter was excluded due to the high price of the console there, it was sold separately for [[Brazilian real|R$]]49.99 as the '''Dreamcast Link'''.<ref name="dreamcast_jogo" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Dreamcast – Acessórios|url=http://www.tectoy.com.br/consoles/dreamcast/acessorios.html#modem|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011111092358/http://www.tectoy.com.br/consoles/dreamcast/acessorios.html#modem|archive-date=November 11, 2001|access-date=June 20, 2020|website=[[Tectoy]]|language=pt}}</ref> European, Australian, and early Japanese models came with a 33.6&nbsp;kbit/s modem,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Cameron |title=Dreamcast's Dismal Aussie Outing |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcasts-dismal-aussie-outing/1100-2460893/ |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=GameSpot |date=November 30, 1999}}</ref> while North American and later Japanese models included a 56&nbsp;kbit/s modem.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last1=Pettus|first1=Sam|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DbFxAgAAQBAJ&q=dreamcast+modem+europe&pg=PA308|title=Service Games: The Rise and Fall of SEGA: Enhanced Edition|last2=Munoz|first2=David|last3=Williams|first3=Kevin|last4=Barroso|first4=Ivan|date=December 20, 2013|publisher=Smashwords Edition|isbn=978-1-311-08082-0|language=en|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407103334/https://books.google.com/books?id=DbFxAgAAQBAJ&q=dreamcast+modem+europe&pg=PA308|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Carless|first=Simon|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrqz84QUuSEC&q=dreamcast+broadband+adapter+japan+launch+date&pg=PA210|title=Gaming Hacks|date=2004|publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]]|isbn=978-0-596-00714-0|pages=210–211|language=en|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222207/https://books.google.com/books?id=zrqz84QUuSEC&q=dreamcast+broadband+adapter+japan+launch+date&pg=PA210|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Review-PCWorld>{{Cite magazine|title=Sega Dreamcast|date=April 1, 2000|magazine=[[PC World]]|url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/97860/sega_dreamcast/|last=Stafford|first=Mark|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=April 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411105704/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/97860/sega_dreamcast/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Planet CVG |date=February 2001 |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |page=16 |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=231 |issn=0261-3697 }}</ref> However, with no [[region lock]] present, it is possible for models bundled with the 33.6&nbsp;kbit/s modem to use the 56&nbsp;kbit/s one instead for faster Internet access.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Ask Sega|date=July–August 2001|magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK)|Official Dreamcast Magazine]]|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/5/57/ODM_UK_21.pdf|page=105|access-date=July 5, 2021|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|issue=21|quote=Nigel Franklin: I have a UK Dreamcast and was wondering if I could get hold of a US modem, would online gaming and internet browsing run faster? '''SEGA: A US modem makes no difference to online gaming... A faster modem could improve the speed at which the Internet can be accessed.'''|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190710/https://retrocdn.net/images/5/57/ODM_UK_21.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> To produce the modem, Sega partnered with [[Rockwell International]] through its semiconductor division, which was spun off as [[Conexant]] on January 4, 1999.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lanser|first=Jonathan|date=July 8, 1999|title=Sega Makes Game With Its Own Internet Service|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=[[Tribune Publishing]]|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-07-08-9907080038-story.html|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407011738/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-07-08-9907080038-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Lapedus|first=Mark|date=November 10, 1998|title=Rockwell Semi spin-off Conexant will target communications IC market|url=https://www.eetimes.com/rockwell-semi-spin-off-conexant-will-target-communications-ic-market/|magazine=[[EE Times]]|publisher=AspenCore|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626130235/https://www.eetimes.com/rockwell-semi-spin-off-conexant-will-target-communications-ic-market/|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are two models of the modem adapter, 670-14140A and 670-14140B. The "A" model can use power from the Dreamcast game console to allow it to operate without the need of power from the telephone line. The "B" model does not use power from the Dreamcast; thus, it is dependent on the power from the telephone line or a modem that runs power through the telephone line.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}

==== Custom dial-up server ====
There are multiple ways to create a server between a Dreamcast and a personal computer (PC) using the standard modem which allows the Dreamcast to share the PC's network connection.

* PC-DC Server using [[Windows 95]]/[[Windows 98|98]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=PC-Dreamcast Server|url=https://www.maturion.de/dreamcast/mterlouw/|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=maturion.de|archive-date=November 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110092429/https://www.maturion.de/dreamcast/mterlouw/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* PC-DC Server using a [[Linux]] distribution like [[Ubuntu]].
* Dial-up Network by using a LAN modem (like a [[Netopia]] R2020) with a telephone line simulator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New method for connecting Dreamcast! - Dreamcast-Talk.com|url=https://www.dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3122|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=dreamcast-talk.com|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624131812/https://www.dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3122|url-status=live}}</ref>
* PC-DC Server using Dreamcast Now software on a [[Raspberry Pi]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=DreamPi 1.1 Released - with Dreamcast Now! - Dreamcast-Talk.com|url=https://www.dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7855|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=dreamcast-talk.com|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626182447/https://www.dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7855|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Broadband Adapter ===
[[File:Sega-Dreamcast-Broadband-Adapter-FL.jpg|right|thumb|The HIT-0400 broadband adapter]]
The '''Broadband Adapter''' is a [[network adapter]] that was released as a separate accessory for the Dreamcast in Japan on July 15, 2000, retailing at [[Japanese yen|¥]]8,800;<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|last=Williams|first=Martyn|date=June 12, 2000|title=Sega to launch broadband service in Japan|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/06/12/sega.broadband.idg/index.html|access-date=June 22, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626124624/https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/06/12/sega.broadband.idg/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the United States followed suit on January 9, 2001, with a retail price of $59.95.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Satterfield|first=Shane|date=January 4, 2001|title=Dreamcast Broadband Adapter Will Be Available Online|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcast-broadband-adapter-will-be-available-online/1100-2671025/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|language=en-US|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232205/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dreamcast-broadband-adapter-will-be-available-online/1100-2671025/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Shahed|date=January 11, 2001|title=Sega Releases the Dreamcast Broadband Adapter|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-releases-the-dreamcast-broadband-adapter/1100-2673469/|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|language=en-US|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626114941/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-releases-the-dreamcast-broadband-adapter/1100-2673469/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news|last=Olafson|first=Peter|date=January 25, 2001|title=NEWS WATCH; Faster Modem Makes Gamers Quicker on the Trigger|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/technology/news-watch-faster-modem-makes-gamers-quicker-on-the-trigger.html|access-date=June 23, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626140919/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/technology/news-watch-faster-modem-makes-gamers-quicker-on-the-trigger.html|url-status=live}}</ref> CSI Co., Ltd. manufactured the adapter in Japan.<ref name="BBA black model - GAME Watch">{{cite news |author1=田名網陽平 |title=CSI、DC用ブロードバンドアダプタのブラックモデルを期間限定で受注生産 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011122/csi.htm |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |date=November 22, 2001 |language=ja}}</ref> The adapter was never bundled with any console; it was sold in Japan through CSI's website and [[cable Internet access]] providers, while the adapter was sold in the United States exclusively through Sega's online store from launch until March 2001, when it started appearing in retail stores.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Dreamcast用LANアダプタ「ブロードバンドアダプタ」発売。対応ソフトの拡充が必須 |url=https://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/article/20000717/dc.htm |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=PC Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |date=July 17, 2000 |language=ja}}</ref> A European release for the adapter was planned for early 2001, but it ultimately did not materialize with the Dreamcast's discontinuation;<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Sega goes broad |date=September 2000 |magazine=DC-UK |page=42 |publisher=Future Publishing |issue=13 |publication-date=August 2, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Broadband at last: USA gets set for faster Net access |date=March 2001 |magazine=DC-UK |page=92 |publisher=Future Publishing |issue=20 |publication-date=February 15, 2001}}</ref> despite that, use of an American (or Japanese) adapter on a [[PAL]] system is possible since the adapter is not [[region lock]]ed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Dreamcast Online – Getting Online with your Sega Dreamcast|url=https://dreamcast.onlineconsoles.com/phpBB2/guides_getonline.php|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=OnlineConsoles|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619174221/http://dreamcast.onlineconsoles.com/phpBB2/guides_getonline.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

Only a few hundred thousand units of the Broadband Adapter were produced as worldwide broadband adoption was still poor at the time.<ref name=":2" /> While it was solely mass produced in white to match the console's default model color, a black model was produced on a limited [[build to order]] basis; orders were accepted throughout much of December 2001, with a minimum of 2,000 units produced from February to March 2002.<ref name="BBA black model - GAME Watch" /> Due to the adapter's launch late in the lifespan of the Dreamcast, only a handful of games supported the adapter as developers had to explicitly include support for the adapter in their games; the games that did support it were able to take advantage of the 10 and 100&nbsp;Mbit speeds provided by the adapter.<ref name=":8" /> However, it also had an unintended consequence of much faster Dreamcast [[GD-ROM]] copying, leading to a dramatic increase in game piracy towards the end of the console's North American lifespan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|date=April 14, 2010|title=Banging the DRM • Page 5|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/banging-the-drm-article?page=5|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625015306/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/banging-the-drm-article?page=5|url-status=live}}</ref> CSI announced that it would discontinue production of the adapter on April 24, 2002, citing Sega's discontinuation of Dreamcast production and transition to third-party development.<ref>{{cite news |author1=北村孝和 |title=CSI、DC「ブロードバンドアダプタ」の製造を終了。今月中の受注状況により最終製造数を決定 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20020424/bba.htm |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |date=April 24, 2002 |language=ja}}</ref>

It is a common misconception that the Broadband Adapter was released with two model numbers (HIT-0400 for the US, and HIT-0401 for Japan); in actuality, both Japan and US models have the code HIT-0400 and use a [[Realtek]] 8139 chip. The code HIT-0401 refers to the Japanese model's packaging and documentation, while the code HIT-0400 refers to the adapter hardware.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=NetBSD/dreamcast Frequently Asked Questions|url=https://www.netbsd.org/ports/dreamcast/faq.html|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=The [[NetBSD]] Project|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625043351/https://www.netbsd.org/ports/dreamcast/faq.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides the Broadband Adapter, Sega also released the '''LAN Adapter''' in 1999 for sale in Japan only. The LAN Adapter is technically inferior compared to the Broadband Adapter as it supports only the low 10&nbsp;Mbit speed with the use of a [[Fujitsu]] MB86967 chip; it is practically inferior as well since it is not compatible with any online Dreamcast games and works only with the included Japanese browser disk.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />

Due to the decline of [[dial-up networking]] and the rise of the more modernized, faster [[Local area network|LAN]] connection, the Broadband Adapter has reached very high demand over the pre-packaged Modem Adapter. Combined with the scarcity of the adapter, this has resulted in highly inflated prices for it; as early as 2004, third-party retailers such as [[eBay]] sold the adapter alone for around $100 to $150, and it still regularly sells for more than the Dreamcast itself. Some games are still playable online via the Broadband Adapter through private servers, such as ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'', ''[[Toy Racer]]'', and ''[[Quake III Arena]]''.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />

== Online services ==
Unlike the [[Xbox Live]] service launched by [[Microsoft]] in 2002, Sega never had a unified worldwide service for the Dreamcast. Instead, Sega created separate regional services that were developed independently of each other, with different companies from different regions participating in the development of the services in their respective regions. Former Microsoft executive Sam Furukawa recalled in 2010 that Sega chairman [[Isao Okawa]] proposed adding Dreamcast compatibility into the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] several times to Microsoft chairman [[Bill Gates]] as Sega explored a sale to Microsoft after the launch of the [[PlayStation 2]], though negotiations ultimately failed due in part to the latter balking at the former's insistence on including online gaming with supported Dreamcast titles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Brian |title=How Xbox Could Have Helped The Dreamcast Survive |url=https://kotaku.com/how-xbox-could-have-helped-the-dreamcast-survive-30936219 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=June 16, 2024 |language=en |date=January 14, 2010}}</ref>

=== Dricas (Japan) ===
{{Infobox VG Online Service|name=Dricas|launched={{Start date and age|1998|10|28}}|developer=[[Sega]], ISAO Corporation|platform=[[Dreamcast]]|status=|type=Online service|discontinued={{End date and age|2007|09|28}}|website={{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001019060329/http://www.dricas.com/main/index.html |title=dricas.com |date=October 19, 2000}}}}
'''Dricas''' was an Internet service intended for Dreamcast consoles in Japan. The service launched the week of October 28, 1998, with only a few features such as e-mail available; the feature set expanded in the weeks preceding the Dreamcast's launch in Japan on November 27, 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ohbuchi|first=Yutaka|date=October 28, 1998|title=Sega's Dricas Site Opens Up [date mislabeled as "April 28, 2000"]|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/segas-dricas-site-opens-up/1100-2465329/|access-date=June 20, 2020|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Red Ventures]]|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202201405/http://headline.gamespot.com:80/news/98_10/28_dricas/index.html|archive-date=February 2, 1999|url-status=live}}</ref> Much of its infrastructure was developed by ISAO Corporation, which was [[Corporate spin-off|spun-off]] from Sega on November 26, 1999.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=社名変更のお知らせ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010123041200/http://www.isao.co.jp/release/1999_1126.html|publisher=ISAO Corporation|date=November 26, 2000|language=ja|archive-date=January 23, 2001|url=http://www.isao.co.jp/release/1999_1126.html|trans-title=Notice of company name change}}</ref> Its accompanying web browser, Dream Passport, provided the ability to connect via dial-up, browse the Internet, receive and send e-mail, chat with other users, and so on.<ref name="Dricas browser - IW">{{cite news |last1=Kamishima |first1=Masaaki |title=メールやチャットも楽しめるDreamcastのインターネット機能 |url=https://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/www/article/981130/dricas.htm |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=Internet Watch |publisher=Impress Corporation |date=November 30, 1998 |language=ja |archive-date=April 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404135837/https://internet.watch.impress.co.jp/www/article/981130/dricas.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Dreameye]] accessory, which was only sold in Japan, added the ability to send images and videos through e-mail and video chat.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sato |first1=Yukiyoshi Ike |title=Sega Plans Dream Passport 3 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-plans-dream-passport-3/1100-2541478/ |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=GameSpot |date=April 26, 2000 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710015528/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-plans-dream-passport-3/1100-2541478/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 6, 2000|title=IGNDC Talks Dreameye With Sega|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/07/igndc-talks-dreameye-with-sega|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624030221/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/07/igndc-talks-dreameye-with-sega|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 30, 2000, Sega announced that Dream Passport 3, which was due for release on April 29, would include an online rental service called Dream Library, where users could download and play emulated [[Mega Drive]] and [[PC Engine]] games; a small fee was charged daily throughout the rental period of each title.<ref name="DreamLibrary announcement - IGN">{{cite news |last1=Kollin |first1=Mike |title=Play Genesis and Turbo Grafx Games On Your Dreamcast |url=https://dreamcast.ign.com/news/17250.html |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=IGN |date=March 30, 2000 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000511040053/https://dreamcast.ign.com/news/17250.html |archive-date=May 11, 2000}}</ref> Initially scheduled to launch with the browser, Sega delayed it to May 30, then delayed it again for two days due to "final testing"; the service went live at 18:00 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] on June 1 with 17 Mega Drive and 13 PC Engine titles available.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=Latest Details on Dream Library |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/12/latest-details-on-dream-library |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=IGN |date=April 11, 2000 |language=en |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027203525/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/12/latest-details-on-dream-library |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kollin |first1=Mike |title=DreamLibrary Japanese Launch Delayed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/31/dreamlibrary-japanese-launch-delayed |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=IGN |date=May 30, 2000 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kollin |first1=Mike |title=DreamLibrary Launch Titles Announced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/03/dreamlibrary-launch-titles-announced |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=IGN |date=May 2, 2000 |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172332/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/03/dreamlibrary-launch-titles-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> Five Mega Drive titles were added to the service the same month along with 15 PC Engine titles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=Sega Reveals Next Set of Dream Library Games |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/16/sega-reveals-next-set-of-dream-library-games |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=IGN |date=June 15, 2000 |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172310/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/16/sega-reveals-next-set-of-dream-library-games |url-status=live }}</ref> The service was temporarily suspended from January 27, 2001, to March 2001 due to Sega implementing compatibility with the Broadband Adapter through server modifications.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gantayat |first1=Anoop |title=Dream Library Temporarily on Hold |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/19/dream-library-temporarily-on-hold |access-date=June 17, 2021 |work=IGN |date=December 18, 2000 |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172311/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/19/dream-library-temporarily-on-hold |url-status=live }}</ref>

Dricas persisted until March 7, 2000, when the service was consolidated into ISAO's multi-platform online service, isao.net.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dricas.com|url=http://www.dricas.com/main/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000620051708/http://www.dricas.com/main/index.html|archive-date=June 20, 2000|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=Dricas}}</ref> Broadband support arrived for the service a few months later on July 15 of that year, launching with the debut of the Broadband Adapter in Japan.<ref name=":6" /> Isao.net maintained online services and game servers for the Dreamcast until Sega ceased the online servers for the last remaining Dreamcast game, ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'', along with its [[GameCube]] port on March 31, 2007.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=「PHANTASY STAR ONLINE」 ドリームキャスト版およびゲームキューブ版 終了記念キャンペーンに関するご案内|date=February 8, 2007|publisher=ISAO Corporation|url=http://www.isao.co.jp/cms/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=35|archive-date=August 10, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810212459/http://www.isao.co.jp/cms/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=35|trans-title=Information on "PHANTASY STAR ONLINE" Dreamcast Edition and GameCube Edition End Commemorative Campaign|language=ja}}</ref> Sega ultimately terminated the Dreamcast-dedicated portion of the isao.net service on September 28, 2007, officially eliminating the last remaining vestige of its ambitious plan for online gaming with the Dreamcast.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dreamcast向けゲームソフト専用サイト一部終了のご案内|trans-title=Information on the end of the site for exclusive use of game software for Dreamcast|url=http://www.isao.net/spstat/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=984|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011041830/http://www.isao.net/spstat/modules/bulletin/article.php?storyid=984|archive-date=October 11, 2007|access-date=June 21, 2020|website=isao.net|language=ja}}</ref>

=== SegaNet (United States) ===
{{hatnote|"SegaNet" redirects here. For the online service for the [[Sega Saturn]], which used a similar name in Japan, see [[Sega Net Link]].}}
{{Infobox VG Online Service
| title = SegaNet
| logo = SegaNet logo.svg
| developer = [[Sega]], [[Genuity (Internet company)|Genuity]]
| type = Online service
| update = 
| status = 
| released = {{start date and age|2000|9|7}}
| platform = [[Dreamcast]]
| discontinued = {{End date and age|2001|07|20}} (online service) <br/>
{{End date and age|2003|09|30}} (online game servers)
| website = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010602035246/http://www.sega.net/seganet/index.jhtml |date=June 2, 2001 |title=sega.net}}
}}

'''SegaNet''' was a short-lived [[Internet service provider|Internet service]] geared for [[Dial-up access|dial-up]]-based [[Online game|online gaming]] on the [[Dreamcast]] [[Video game console|game console]] in the United States. The service was created by Sega in collaboration with [[GTE]] through its GTE Internetworking division,<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Sega Announces Formation of New Company, Sega.com, Inc.|url=https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_2000-04-04:_Sega_Announces_Formation_of_New_Company,_Sega.com,_Inc.|date=April 4, 2000|publisher=[[Sega]]|access-date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626012711/https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_2000-04-04:_Sega_Announces_Formation_of_New_Company,_Sega.com,_Inc.|url-status=live}}</ref> which was spun-off from GTE and renamed [[Genuity (Internet company)|Genuity]] in the midst of development as GTE merged with Bell Atlantic to form [[Verizon Communications]] on June 30, 2000.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Pappalardo|first=Denise|date=April 10, 2000|title=GTE, others play the name game|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iRcEAAAAMBAJ&q=genuity+dreamcast&pg=PA12|magazine=Network World|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|volume=17|issue=15|page=12|issn=0887-7661|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://books.google.com/books?id=iRcEAAAAMBAJ&q=genuity+dreamcast&pg=PA12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=July 1, 2000|title=Bell Atlantic, GTE merger completed|work=[[The Oklahoman]]|url=https://oklahoman.com/article/2702980/bell-atlantic-gte-merger-completed|access-date=June 21, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626160220/https://oklahoman.com/article/2702980/bell-atlantic-gte-merger-completed|url-status=live}}</ref> As such, it was Genuity that ended up providing the dial-up service and network infrastructure.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|date=September 7, 2000|title=Sega Seeks Net Profits|work=[[Wired (magazine)#Website|Wired]]|url=https://www.wired.com/2000/09/sega-seeks-net-profits/|access-date=June 22, 2020|issn=1059-1028|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172312/https://www.wired.com/2000/09/sega-seeks-net-profits/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> Sega also announced a partnership with [[AT&T Corporation|AT&T]] on August 4, 1999, making the [[AT&T WorldNet]] service the preferred ISP to connect the Dreamcast online in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schiffmann |first1=William |title=Sega, AT&T Unveil Dreamcast Pact |url=https://apnews.com/article/36ab6479c2c42cdf5b50d584e50add6d |access-date=February 9, 2021 |agency=Associated Press |date=August 4, 1999 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://apnews.com/article/36ab6479c2c42cdf5b50d584e50add6d |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Partyka |first1=Jeff |title=Sega, AT&T to launch gaming portal |url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9908/04/sega.att.idg/ |access-date=February 9, 2021 |publisher=CNN |date=August 4, 1999 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413224116/http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9908/04/sega.att.idg/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sega plans online link with AT&T |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/411568.stm |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=BBC News |date=August 4, 1999 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/411568.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Oldham |first1=Jennifer |title=Sega Shoots Ahead With Hot Console, AT&T; Online Pact |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-05-fi-62732-story.html |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 5, 1999 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222946/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-05-fi-62732-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sega additionally announced an agreement to have [[Excite@Home]] as the exclusive portal partner for SegaNet on December 14, 1999, bringing [[Excite (web portal)|Excite]]'s services and content to the online platform.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martinson |first1=Jane |title=Sega and Excite join forces |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/dec/15/efinance.internet1 |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=December 15, 1999 |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/dec/15/efinance.internet1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Sam |title=Sega Announces Excite Partnership |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-excite-partnership/1100-2440391/ |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=February 17, 2000 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-announces-excite-partnership/1100-2440391/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Excite@Home Joins DC Network |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/excitehome-joins-dc-network |access-date=February 9, 2021 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=December 14, 1999 |language=en |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625222945/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/15/excitehome-joins-dc-network |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Microsoft]] participated somewhat in the development of the service, but they terminated their relationship with Sega just a few months before its launch over differences in its direction.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thurrott|first=Paul|date=June 5, 2000|title=Microsoft, Sega end gaming relationship|url=https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-78/microsoft-sega-end-gaming-relationship|access-date=June 18, 2020|website=IT Pro Today|publisher=[[Informa]]|language=en|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627121018/https://www.itprotoday.com/windows-78/microsoft-sega-end-gaming-relationship|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a replacement for Sega's original [[PC games|PC]]-only online gaming service, [[Heat.net]],<ref>{{Cite book|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hxhmDQAAQBAJ&q=heat.net+seganet&pg=PT281|title=Playing at the Next Level: A History of American Sega Games|date=October 21, 2016|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-9994-6|pages=269|language=en|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172312/https://books.google.com/books?id=hxhmDQAAQBAJ&q=heat.net+seganet&pg=PT281|url-status=live}}</ref> SegaNet was initially quite popular when it launched on September 7, 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Campbell|first=Christine|date=September 11, 2000|title=Sega isn't playing around with SegaNet|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/09/11/sega.online.idg/index.html|access-date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619092107/https://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/09/11/sega.online.idg/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Just over a month after launch, by October 27, 2000, SegaNet had 1.55&nbsp;million Dreamcast consoles registered online, including 750,000 in Japan, 400,000 in North America, and 400,000 in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 27, 2000|title=Sega Announces New Corporate Focus On Networked Entertainment|url=https://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/release/pdf/past/sega/2001/20001027e.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630144828/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/ir/release/pdf/past/sega/2001/20001027e.pdf|archive-date=June 30, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=segasammy.co.jp/}}</ref> This was somewhat surprising given that Sega initially set a monthly subscription fee of $21.95, relatively expensive compared to other [[Internet service provider]]s (ISPs) of the time. However, it was unavailable outside of the [[contiguous United States]]; support for Canada, [[Alaska]], and Hawaii was planned, but never realized.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Oliver|first=Tristan|date=August 6, 2000|title=No SegaNet for Canada?|url=http://www.tssznews.com/2000/08/06/no-seganet-for-canada/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119101648/http://www.tssznews.com/2000/08/06/no-seganet-for-canada/|archive-date=November 19, 2019|access-date=June 20, 2020|website=TSSZ News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 4, 2000|title=Dreamcast $50 rebate Q&A|url=https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/dreamcast-50-rebate-q-a.349328/|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=[[AnandTech]] Forums|language=en-US|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626232207/https://forums.anandtech.com/threads/dreamcast-50-rebate-q-a.349328/|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike a standard ISP, [[game server]]s were connected directly into SegaNet's internal network, providing very low connection latency between the consoles and servers along with standard Internet access via the included PlanetWeb browser.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|date=April 4, 2000|title=Sega to Unveil Online Gaming Strategy|language=en-US|work=[[The New York Times]]|agency=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/04/technology/sega-to-unveil-online-gaming-strategy.html|access-date=June 23, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626155711/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/04/technology/sega-to-unveil-online-gaming-strategy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

SegaNet originally offered a rebate for a free Dreamcast with a two-year contract along with a free keyboard to encourage sales of the console.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fielder|first=Lauren|date=April 26, 2000|title=Free Dreamcast for Sega's New ISP|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-dreamcast-for-segas-new-isp/1100-2542096/|access-date=June 22, 2020|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|language=en-US|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626115402/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-dreamcast-for-segas-new-isp/1100-2542096/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, with pressure mounting from [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 2]] and the announcements of [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[GameCube]], sales of the Dreamcast continued to drop and, on July 20, 2001, Sega announced they would discontinue the service just less than 11 months after launch.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sklens|first=Mike|date=July 20, 2001|title=SegaNet shutting down!|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6245/seganet-shutting-down|access-date=June 20, 2020|website=Nintendo World Report|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625043351/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6245/seganet-shutting-down|url-status=live}}</ref> At this point, all subscribers were given the option to transfer their accounts to [[EarthLink]].<ref>{{cite web|date=July 30, 2001|title=Seganet Links Up With Earth|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/seganet-links-up-with-earth|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402025128/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/30/seganet-links-up-with-earth|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 20, 2001|title=Sega Turns to Earth for Internet Link|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/096/096768p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030427210933/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/096/096768p1.html|archive-date=April 27, 2003|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=[[IGN]]|url-status=dead|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> Sega continued to operate the online game servers, initially removing the subscription fee for accessing them before reinstating it, albeit reduced to $9.95 per month, on November 1 of that year.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pham|first=Alex|date=October 25, 2001|title=Sega to Charge for SegaNet Access|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-25-tt-61360-story.html|access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref> They permanently eliminated the required subscription at the beginning of August 2002 with the intention of shutting down the servers by the end of that year;<ref>{{cite web|last=Vinciguerra|first=Rob|date=August 2, 2002|title=SegaNet: no longer pay-to-play|url=http://dc.dricasworld.com/?20020802a|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603083451/http://dc.dricasworld.com/?20020802a|archive-date=June 3, 2004|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=dricasworld.com}}</ref><ref>" {{cite web|date=August 17, 2002|title=SegaNet is FREE Now but Nobody is Playing|url=http://dreamstation.cc/news/video_games/id680|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626221454/http://dreamstation.cc/news/video_games/id680|archive-date=June 26, 2006|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=DreamStation.cc}}</ref> however, they decided to extend the service by six months, officially ending online support for most Dreamcast games effective June 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Playing Online|url=http://sega.com/help/online/online.jhtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030622073540/http://sega.com/help/online/online.jhtml|archive-date=June 22, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=[[Sega]]}}</ref> Sega continued to provide online support for ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'' and [[Phantasy Star Online ver.2|''Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2'']] until September 30, 2003; the online servers for both games were shut down at that point, officially ceasing online gaming on the Dreamcast in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Playing Online|url=http://www.sega.com/help/online/online.jhtml/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031014062941/http://www.sega.com/help/online/online.jhtml/|archive-date=October 14, 2003|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=[[Sega]]}}</ref>

=== Dreamarena (Europe) ===
{{Infobox VG Online Service
| title = Dreamarena
| logo = Dreamarena logo.svg
| developer = [[Sega]], [[BT Group|BT]]
| type = Online service
| update = 
| status = 
| released = {{start date and age|1999|10|14}}
| platform = [[Dreamcast]]
| discontinued = {{End date and age|2003|02|28}}
| website = {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030609233530/http://dreamarena.co.uk/|date=June 9, 2003|title=dreamarena.co.uk}}
}}

'''Dreamarena''' was a free [[dial-up]]-based online gaming service provided for all [[Dreamcast]] consoles in Europe, launching with the debut of the Dreamcast in Europe on October 14, 1999.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|date=October 14, 1999|title=Sega's console dream|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/466765.stm|access-date=June 23, 2020|website=[[BBC News]]|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123163435/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/466765.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> The service was created and operated for [[Sega Europe]] by a partnership between [[International Computers Limited|ICL]], [[BT Group|BT]] and various [[ISP]]s; ICL developed the web sites and software, with BT providing the dial-up capabilities and network infrastructure,<ref name=":10" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hara|first=Yoshiko|date=May 14, 1999|title=British Telecom to bring Net access to Sega's Dreamcast|url=https://www.eetimes.com/british-telecom-to-bring-net-access-to-segas-dreamcast/|magazine=[[EE Times]]|publisher=AspenCore|access-date=June 23, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627123053/https://www.eetimes.com/british-telecom-to-bring-net-access-to-segas-dreamcast/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ISPs (one for each country) providing the Internet dial-up connection and telephone service. The service was initially available in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom; it was expanded in December 2000 to include Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. Although the service was free to access in the United Kingdom, ISPs in other European countries placed different requirements and prices for accessing it; the game servers hosted within the service were not accessible elsewhere on the Internet.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Europe Keeps On Dreaming |date=December 28, 2000 |magazine=Dreamcast Magazine |page=9 |publisher=Paragon Publishing |issue=17 |issn=1466-2388}}</ref> Dreamarena Ltd was formed as a subsidiary of Sega Europe with around 20 staff to focus on development of the service.<ref name=":11">{{Cite journal |last=Crismas |first=Warren |date=7 September 2000 |title=The next step |journal=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK)]] |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |issue=12 |pages=42–47}}</ref> Some games released in Europe after the Dreamcast was discontinued did not include the online functionality present in other regions, infuriating some consumers who anticipated using the online features.<ref name=":5" /> The service was accessed via the DreamKey browser, which was also built into some games such as ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]''.<ref name=":2" /> As of September 2000 Sega had passed 300,000 registrations in Europe on Dreamarena, with "more than half" deemed "active or very active users".<ref name=":11" />

The first three versions of DreamKey (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) did not allow users to enter their own ISP phone number and login details, locking them with the ISPs that partnered with Sega; this resulted in Dreamarena being an expensive affair for many of the users.<ref name="DK3.0 - Games Domain">{{cite news |last1=Brotherson |first1=Corey |title=Sega's Dreamy date |url=http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/news/6578.html |access-date=December 9, 2021 |work=[[Games Domain]] |publisher=[[British Telecommunications]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020819095725/http://www.gamesdomain.co.uk/news/6578.html |archive-date=August 19, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bramwell |first1=Tom |title=Sega dumps ISP |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_31453 |access-date=December 10, 2021 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |date=November 22, 2001 |language=en |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210205845/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_31453 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the discontinuation of the Dreamcast and its transition away from console hardware, Sega closed Dreamarena on February 28, 2002; subsequent online access required version 3.0 of DreamKey, which was released on February 1 and provided users the ability to access the Internet via an ISP of their choice.<ref name="DK3.0 - Games Domain" /> Users ordering DreamKey 3.0 after the Dreamarena closure had to use a PC to visit Sega of Europe's website and order it there with their service credentials; European Dreamcast customers that failed to register for the service by its closure were completely unable to go online with the console.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Dream A Little DreamKey|date=March 28, 2002|magazine=Dreamcast Magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2f/DreamcastMagazine_UK_33.pdf|page=9|access-date=December 10, 2021|publisher=[[Paragon Publishing]]|issue=33|issn=1466-2388|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143138/https://retrocdn.net/images/2/2f/DreamcastMagazine_UK_33.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Online functions for the Dreamcast continued to run for another year until they were shut down on February 28, 2003.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=THE LATEST NEWS FROM FEBRUARY 2003|date=January 23, 2020|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20200123/page/14/textview|page=14|access-date=December 10, 2021|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|issn=1742-3155|via=[[PressReader]]|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172316/https://www.pressreader.com/uk/retro-gamer/20200123/page/14/textview|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Comma (Australia) ===
On November 2, 1999, Sega announced its partnership with [[Telstra]] to develop an online service for the Dreamcast in Australia through regional distributor [[Ozisoft]].<ref name="Telstra-SMH">{{cite news |last1=Crawford |first1=Kate |title=Sega's dream cast for Telstra |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/119733986/ |access-date=February 11, 2021 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=November 2, 1999 |page=31 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195158/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/119733986/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was just weeks before the Dreamcast was supposed to launch there on November 30; the online service was ultimately unavailable at launch due in part to the signing of the ISP contract only occurring the previous day. However, it was an ironic inconvenience as the consoles initially did not ship with Internet access discs; they were detained the previous week along with much of the other supplied launch software by [[Australian Customs Service|customs officers]] for lack of information about the [[country of origin]] on the packaging.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Dreamcast blunders down under|date=January 2000|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/64/Edge_UK_080.pdf|page=7|issue=80|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|location=Bath|issn=1350-1593|access-date=February 10, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195358/https://retrocdn.net/images/6/64/Edge_UK_080.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Ozisoft claimed that the delay in the network launch was due to the time required for developing and testing the network on the Dreamcast hardware, which was compounded by the Dreamcast's use of a proprietary [[web browser]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Langan |first1=Matthew |title=Update On Dreamcast Launch In Australia |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/update-on-dreamcast-launch-in-australia |access-date=February 11, 2021 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=December 1, 1999 |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195719/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/02/update-on-dreamcast-launch-in-australia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=World stares aghast as OziSoft passes buck|date=August 15, 2001|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=9232|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309140104/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=9232|archive-date=March 9, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2021|url-status=dead}}</ref> The network finally went live in mid-March 2000, with Internet access discs sent to registered Australian Dreamcast users that filled out a [[reply paid]] card shipped with the console.<ref name="Review-PCWorld" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schouten |first1=Ryoni |title=DC Internet Finally Hits Australia |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/dc-internet-finally-hits-australia |access-date=February 11, 2021 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=March 23, 2000 |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195619/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/24/dc-internet-finally-hits-australia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Launch-PCWorld">{{cite news |title=Big Pond casts net dreams |url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/105542/big_pond_casts_net_dreams/ |access-date=February 11, 2021 |work=PC World |date=March 16, 2000 |language=en-AU |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624215842/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/105542/big_pond_casts_net_dreams/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

To gain access to the network, Australian Dreamcast users were forced to use Telstra's Big Pond service; the Internet access disc, which had Dreamkey software similar to the European version, was bundled with a [[voucher]] for 150 hours of free Internet access that users were required to use within three months of activation.<ref name="Review-PCWorld" /><ref name="Launch-PCWorld" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Keep on Dreaming |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/keep-on-dreaming-20100630-zjsa.html |access-date=February 11, 2021 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=June 30, 2010 |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172317/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/keep-on-dreaming-20100630-zjsa.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Swan |first1=Georgina |title=Ozisoft slashes price of Dreamcast |url=https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/75028/ozisoft_slashes_price_dreamcast/ |access-date=February 11, 2021 |work=ARN |date=August 30, 2000 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026014456/https://www.arnnet.com.au/article/75028/ozisoft_slashes_price_dreamcast/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon connecting, the browser went to the default '''Comma''' [[web portal]], which Sega hoped would develop similarly to [[Yahoo!]] as an all-encompassing destination for users' Internet needs; [[LookSmart]] powered the portal's [[search engine]].<ref name="Review-PCWorld" /><ref name="Telstra-SMH" />

== Supported games ==
{{Main|List of Dreamcast online games}}
Despite the emphasis of online gaming by Sega, no games supported online play at launch despite a handful of games offering free [[downloadable content]] (DLC) to store on a [[VMU]], including ''[[Sonic Adventure]]''.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite book|last=Hansen|first=Dustin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=62fZDAAAQBAJ&q=dreamcast+dlc+history&pg=PA92|title=Game On!: Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More|date=November 22, 2016|publisher=Feiwel & Friends|isbn=978-1-250-08096-7|pages=91|language=en|access-date=October 31, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809172319/https://books.google.com/books?id=62fZDAAAQBAJ&q=dreamcast+dlc+history&pg=PA92|url-status=live}}</ref> This caused much ire among consumers such that complaints were filed to the [[BBC]]'s [[Watchdog (TV programme)|Watchdog]] programme and the [[Independent Television Commission]] (ITC) in the United Kingdom, accusing Sega of [[False advertising|misleading advertising]]. The ITC subsequently forced Sega to remove references to online gaming in Dreamcast advertisements, with Sega deciding to switch European advertising agencies from WCRS to [[Bartle Bogle Hegarty]] as a result of the controversy.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hall|first=Emma|date=February 25, 2000|title=BBH lands pounds 60m Sega Europe task|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bbh-lands-pounds-60m-sega-europe-task/36539|magazine=[[Campaign (magazine)|Campaign]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Publishing]]|access-date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624054834/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/bbh-lands-pounds-60m-sega-europe-task/36539|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Jardine|first=Alexandra|date=March 9, 2000|title=Dreamcast TV ad rapped for false e-gaming claims|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/dreamcast-tv-ad-rapped-false-e-gaming-claims/66470|magazine=[[Campaign (magazine)|Campaign]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Publishing]]|access-date=June 20, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626071921/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/dreamcast-tv-ad-rapped-false-e-gaming-claims/66470|url-status=live}}</ref> The first game to support online play was ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'', which first released in Japan on November 11, 1999.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Williamson|first=Colin|date=November 15, 1999|title=Chu Chu Rocket (Import)|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/16/chu-chu-rocket-import|access-date=June 20, 2020|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref>

Online games on the Dreamcast initially allowed free access to their game servers with expectations of cost offsetting through SegaNet subscriptions and game sales. ''[[Phantasy Star Online#Releases|Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2]]'' was one of the exceptions to the free access, charging a monthly fee throughout the existence of its official servers. There are some private servers still online that are playable with the following games: ''[[Phantasy Star Online|Phantasy Star Online Ver. 1]]'' and ''[[Phantasy Star Online ver.2|Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2]]'', ''[[Sega Swirl]]'', ''[[4x4 Evo]]lution'', ''[[Quake III Arena#Ports|Quake III Arena]]'', ''[[Cool Pool|Maximum Pool]]'', ''[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK magazine)#Planet Ring|Planet Ring]]'', ''[[Toy Commander#Legacy|Toy Racer]]'', ''[[Starlancer#Other systems|Starlancer]]'', ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'', ''[[List of Tetris variants#The Next Tetris|The Next Tetris On-line Edition]]'', ''[[PBA Tour Bowling 2001]]'', ''[[Sonic Adventure#Release|Sonic Adventure]]'', ''[[Alien Front Online]]'', ''[[Worms World Party]]'', ''[[Monaco Grand Prix (video game)|Racing Simulation 2 On-line: Monaco Grand Prix]]'', ''[[POD 2|POD: Speedzone]]'', ''[[Ooga Booga]]'', ''[[World Series Baseball 2K2]]'', ''[[Jet Set Radio]]'', ''[[NCAA College Football 2K2: Road to the Rose Bowl]]'', ''[[NFL 2K#Main series|NFL 2K1]]'', ''[[NFL 2K#Main series|NFL 2K2]]'', ''[[NBA 2K1]]'', ''[[NBA 2K2]]'', ''Internet Game Pack'' and ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon|Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon DX]]'', with more games upcoming.<ref>{{cite web|date=June 7, 2016|title=ChuChu Rocket Is Back Online!|url=http://www.dreamcastlive.net/blogs/post/ChuChu-Rocket-Is-Back-Online/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612235301/http://www.dreamcastlive.net/blogs/post/ChuChu-Rocket-Is-Back-Online/|archive-date=June 12, 2016|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=dreamcastlive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dreamcast Live Games|url=http://www.dreamcastlive.net/games.html|access-date=June 12, 2019|website=dreamcastlive.net|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422185858/https://www.dreamcastlive.net/games.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Charnock|first=Tom|title=POD 2 Is Back Online|url=http://www.thedreamcastjunkyard.co.uk/2017/10/pod-2-is-back-online.html|access-date=June 12, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627091837/http://www.thedreamcastjunkyard.co.uk/2017/10/pod-2-is-back-online.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==

=== Competing online services ===

* [[GameCube online functionality]]
* [[PlayStation 2 online functionality]]
* [[Xbox Live]]

=== Prior online ventures by Sega ===

* [[Sega Meganet]] for the [[Sega Genesis|Mega Drive]] (Japan, Brazil)
* [[Sega Channel]] for the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]] (United States)
* [[Sega Net Link|Sega NetLink]] for the [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]]

== Notes ==

{{notefoot}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Dreamcast}}
{{Sega|Dreamcast}}
{{Online video game networks}}

[[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2007]]
[[Category:Dreamcast]]
[[Category:Internet service providers]]
[[Category:Online video game networks]]
[[Category:Sega hardware]]