Bitmap Books' Mega Drive Visual Compendium cancelled following Sega threat of legal action

Bitmap Books, the UK publisher known for its sumptuously designed line-up of retro gaming books, has announced it’s cancelling its planned unofficial Mega Drive/Genesis Visual Compendium following threats of legal action from Sega.

Bitmap’s Mega Drive Visual Compendium would have been the eighth title in the striking Visual Compendium series, following books covering the gaming highlights and history of the Atari 2600/7800, Commodore 64, Amiga, ZX Spectrum, NES, SNES, and Master System.

The latter volume was produced in partnership with Sega, but despite Bitmap Books’ efforts, its planned Mega Drive Visual Compendium didn’t have the official backing of the company, ultimately leading to its demise.

Announcing the cancellation of the Mega Drive/Genesis Visual Compendium on Bitmap Books’ website, creative director Sam Dyer wrote, “We’ve had to push back the release date a few times, and as of now, have not communicated why.

“I’m afraid to say that we have been asked by Sega to remove the listing or face potential legal action. As a small business, this is not something we can risk. After discussions, their position is non negotiable. It is of course their right to project their IP as they see fit.”