SEGA enlists heavyweight support for Alien games

SEGA has enlisted seasoned PC and console developer Gearbox Software to create a first-person shooter based on the Alien film franchise.

The news comes hot on the heels of an announcement that Neverwinter Nights 2 developer Obsidian Entertainment will be producing a role-playing game based on the films.

Earlier this week SEGA revealed it had secured the rights to create next-generation games based on the enduring sci-fi favourite.

The fact that developers of the stature of Gearbox and Obsidian are involved will be considered a significant show of strength from the one-time platform holder, which appears determined to buck the industry trend of producing low-expectation licensed properties under the assumption that the brand will carry the content.

"Gearbox Software has a storied history of bringing innovative and compelling design to the FPS category," said SEGA of America president and COO Simon Jeffery.

"Combining their design talents with the intense action of the Alien franchise ensures that gamers will have an immersive and action-packed experience."

Gearbox president Randy Pitchford said that the Alien series had been "a tremendous influence" on the developer and the games industry at large.

"The opportunity to work with the amazing people at SEGA and Fox to build a next generation videogame in the Alien universe is one of those dream projects that is a perfect fit for our capability and our passion."

Platforms have yet to be specified, but SEGA has previously said that both the RPG and FPS titles are in pre-production, with one due out in 2009.