SEGA REINVENTS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG EXPERIENCE FOR NEXT-GENERATION VIDEO GAME PLATFORMS
Gaming Icon to Celebrate 15th Year on PS3 and Xbox 360
SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (September 9, 2005) - SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced the development of a brand new Sonic title, Sonic The HedgehogTM, intended for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. SEGA hopes the reinvention of this popular franchise will thrill both the long-time Sonic fans as well as a new generation of gamers with the exciting speed and action only possible on next-generation platforms.
Sonic The Hedgehog for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360 will be developed under the direction of Yuji Naka, award-winning developer known for creating the hugely successful SEGA franchise. With an innovative combination of art, physics and game design, SEGA and Mr. Naka expect to create the most intense sensation of speed ever experienced in videogames. Sonic The Hedgehog for next-gen is expected to ship on multiple platforms in conjunction with the character's 15th anniversary in 2006.
"Sonic The Hedgehog represents the most recognizable example of classic SEGA properties that we will recreate for the PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360," said Naoya Tsurumi, CEO of SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. "When Sonic The Hedgehog debuted on the SEGA Genesis in 1991, he reinvented the action-platform genre with speed and attitude. By harnessing the power of these new platforms, we are confident that Sonic will once again raise the bar for action gaming in 2006 and beyond."
"We are proud to re-create our famous friend, Sonic, for a new generation of gamers on PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360," said Yuji Naka, R&D Creative Officer, SEGA Corporation. "With Sonic The Hedgehog, we have gone back to our starting point, more than 15-years ago, to reinvent the attitude and speed that made our hero a legend. The 'rebirth of Sonic' will offer an unparalleled sense of speed that is only possible using the processing power afforded by the new systems."
Sonic and his friends are among the most recognizable icons in video games. Since his birth 14 years ago, Sonic The Hedgehog has spanned several generations of video game systems, appearing in over 30 games that have sold more than 38 million units of software. Consistently a top-selling franchise, Sonic The Hedgehog continues to be a popular icon worldwide in 2005 and one of the most recognized and celebrated video game characters of all time. SEGA has decided not to announce product, or release details at this time.
SEGA and Sonic the Hedgehog are trademarks or registered trademarks of SEGA Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft and Xbox 360 are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries and are used under license from Microsoft. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About SEGA® of America:
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, recognized as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at www.sega.com.
About SEGA® Europe Ltd:
SEGA Europe Ltd. is the European Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe's web site is located at www.sega-europe.com.