May 15, 2008
SEGA Announces a Platinum Partnership
Famed Developers Confirm Exclusive Four-Game
Deal with SEGA
SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today
announced a worldwide partnership with PlatinumGames Inc., the development
studio recently formed by the team behind some of the most successful franchises
in the video game industry. Under the agreement, PlatinumGames will develop
three ground-breaking new SEGA titles — MADWORLD, Infinite Line and Bayonetta
–covering a variety of game genres with innovative design concepts that explore
the depths of today’s best-selling platforms. A soon-to-be-announced fourth
title, being directed by legendary gaming icon Shinji Mikami, is also part of
the agreement.
“The creative forces at PlatinumGames bring a new
level of imagination into the SEGA family at a pivotal time in the video game
industry when the demand for quality, originality and fun has never been
greater,” said Tatsuya Minami, President and CEO, PlatinumGames. “These new
titles will contribute meaningfully to SEGA’s brand, while adding a new level of
depth to the strategic portfolio of games in our library.”
“This relationship underscores SEGA’s continuing
drive to bring high-quality content to Western audiences, pushing current
standards of innovation in gameplay by introducing fresh, original IP that plays
to the strengths of the individual platforms,” said Simon Jeffery, President and
COO, SEGA of America.
MADWORLD, the first title set for release in Q1
2009, is an inventive third-person action game exclusively for Wii. Produced by
Atsushi Inaba, MADWORLD has a unique black and white style depicting an
incredibly sharp backdrop that straddles graphic novels and 3D worlds. As
players battle opponents, they must master the use of various weapons and items
found within their environment, such as chainsaws and street signs, while
entertaining sports commentary adds to the third-person gameplay. With its
irreverent humor and over-the-top violence, MADWORLD will deliver a unique core
gaming experience currently missing on the Wii system.
Infinite Line (working title), a role playing
game exclusively for the Nintendo DS, takes place in outer space and gives
players the ability to control, build, outfit and customize more than 150
spaceships. Infinite Line stretches the DS hardware to the limit, offering over
200 characters and the ability to control multiple spaceships at any one time.
Releasing in 2009 and currently being produced by Atsushi Inaba and directed by
Hifumi Kouno (from developer Nude Maker), Infinite Line is one of the most
complex RPG titles developed for the DS to date.
Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game,
directed by Hideki Kamiya, set for release in 2009 on the Xbox 360 and
PLAYSTATION 3. A witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals,
Bayonetta faces-off against countless angelic enemies, many reaching epic
proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish
finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one
fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages
that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the
limits of the action genre, bringing to life its fast-paced, dynamic climax
combat.
For more information regarding the partnership
between SEGA and PlatinumGames please go to
www.sega.com/platinumgames.
