ega today announced a new partnership with PlatinumGames, the development studio recently formed by previous members of Capcom’s Clover Studios. Under the agreement, PlatinumGames will develop three new Sega titles - Madworld, Infinite Line and Bayonetta. A soon-to-be-announced fourth title, being directed by 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."

"We are thrilled to have forged this new relationship with such a talented team of individuals and we are understandably excited about the titles that they are producing for us," commented Mike Hayes President and COO of Sega Europe. "Sega continually strives to release games for all consumers that are of the highest quality, working with Platinum Games further enhances that strategy."

Madworld, the first title set for release in Q1 2009, is a new third-person action game exclusively for Wii. Produced by Atsushi Inaba, Madworld has a unique black and white style, depicting a 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 all with sports-style commentary.

Infinite Line (working title), a role playing game exclusively for the DS, takes place in outer space and gives players the ability to control, build, outfit and customize more than 150 spaceships. Infinite Line offers over 200 characters and the ability to control multiple spaceships at any one time. Releasing in 2009, Infinite Line is currently being produced by Atsushi Inaba and directed by Hifumi Kouno (from developer Nude Maker).

Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game, directed by creator Hideki Kamiya and set for release in 2009 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. A witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of pure action.

For more information regarding the partnership between Sega and PlatinumGames please go to www.sega.com/platinumgames