SEGA signs new deal with Bizarre Creations

Sega has announced that it has signed a partnership with Bizarre Creations to "create a next generation franchise".

Details remain sketchy at this embryonic stage, but the press release issued just a few minutes ago stated: "Under the terms of the worldwide exclusive deal, SEGA will manage all marketing and distribution activities and work with Bizarre in the ongoing production of the Developerâs latest innovative design."

Speaking with Bizarre Creations' commercial director Sarah Chudley this afternoon, it's still unclear whether the new project will be another racing game or explore another genre entirely.

"We're not announcing genre or platform(s) yet, I'm afraid," Chudley commented, although long term readers will recall that the Merseyside-based developer produced the well-received third person shooter Fur Fighters for Acclaim, some five years ago for the Dreamcast, and later the PS2.

Of course, the developer has worked with Sega before, being one of the members of its 'second-party' roster, and producing the excellent Metropolis Street Racer on the Dreamcast - now known as Project Gotham Racing.

As far as Sega is concerned, the move represents yet another high profile Western scalp, following the recent signings of Silicon Knights, Petroglyph, Secret Level, Pseudo Interactive, Sports Interactive, and Monolith.

âWe are actively seeking partnerships with the worldâs best developers to create brand new franchises and re-create new games from existing SEGA IP,â said Naoya Tsurumi, CEO of Sega America and Sega Europe.

âWe could not be happier that Bizarre Creations, a world-leader in successfully combining gameplay and technology, chose Sega as their publishing partner to create a multi-platform blockbuster for the next-generation,â he added in the press statement.

âWe are privileged to be working with Sega again,â said Martyn Chudley, Managing Director of Bizarre Creations. âWith its passion for games and forward-thinking approach, it is the ideal partner to make the most of our new concept.â