"SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced a partnership with Secret Level, a San Francisco-based development studio, to recreate a classic SEGA franchise for PlayStation3 (PS3) computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The deal signifies an expanding SEGA network of development partners creating Western content for current and next-generation hardware platforms.

Under the terms of the worldwide exclusive deal, SEGA will manage all sales, marketing and distribution activities and work with Secret Level to supervise ongoing game development. Secret Level is best known for creating Americas Army: Rise of a Soldier (PlayStation 2 & Xbox), Magic: The Gathering Battlegrounds (Xbox & PC), Star Wars Jedi Starfighter (Xbox), and the Unreal Engine for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and GameCube.

“SEGA will become a leading publisher on the next generation of console hardware by marketing great Western-developed content that includes properties from a rich portfolio of SEGA games,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America. “The talented design team at Secret Level has demonstrated innovation in game development and has a history of technical achievements that will help SEGA reinvigorate a vintage and highly commercial franchise.” “We are excited to be working with SEGA and honored to bring one of their classic franchises to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360,” said Jeremy Gordon, President, Secret Level. “SEGA's strength as a publisher and their history of great iconic franchises make them a perfect partner for a growing independent developer like Secret Level.”

This agreement, along with recent partnerships with developer Silicon Knights; developer, Monolith Productions (project: Condemned: Criminal Origins); Pseudo Interactive (project: Full Auto); and the acquisition of esteemed developer, The Creative Assembly (project: Spartan: Total Warrior) continues to highlight SEGA's emphasis on Western development.

Both companies have decided not to announce product, platform, or release details at this time." [more]