Platinum meets Sega
A match made in heaven (and no hedgehogs in sight).
Published: May 16, 2008
Remember that talented studio that Capcom axed awhile back called Clover? They were responsible for Okami, the greatest game nobody bought or played, but its collective members also brought us titles like Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Viewitful Joe. Well, that studio, or at least parts of that studio, became Seeds, which didn't really germinate well, so they did a little dance and turned into Platinum. That's our way of saying that Clover, at least in part, is now PlatinumGames Inc.
Why is this important? Because Sega of America, Inc. and Sega of Europe Ltd. announced a worldwide partnership with PlatinumGames Inc. Under the deal, PlatinumGames will develop three titles for Sega, two headed to Nintendo systems, but one, the most interesting by far, headed to PlayStation 3.
Currently known as Bayonetta, the Hideki Kamiya (Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe) directed title is set to release in 2009 and oozes style out of its tight black leather and high-heeled pumps. Bayonetta, a witch who does battle with angelic enemies, and not the kind that remind you of sugar and rainbows, follows in the footsteps of Dante and Nero, performing crazy acrobatics with female finesse that neither of the two men could ever hope to achieve. Tucked away in her stilettos are some of her weaponry, guns that she uses to blow holes the size of watermelons in angels' heads, along with enough grace and power to put any would-be hunter to shame.
“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.”
“This relationship underscores SEGA’s continuing drive to bring high-quality content to Western audiences, pushing current standards of innovation in gameplay by introducing fresh, original IP that plays to the strengths of the individual platforms,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America.
If PlatinumGames members previous collective titles are any indication of the direction this company is headed, we see good things for both them and Sega in the future.
Why is this important? Because Sega of America, Inc. and Sega of Europe Ltd. announced a worldwide partnership with PlatinumGames Inc. Under the deal, PlatinumGames will develop three titles for Sega, two headed to Nintendo systems, but one, the most interesting by far, headed to PlayStation 3.
Currently known as Bayonetta, the Hideki Kamiya (Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe) directed title is set to release in 2009 and oozes style out of its tight black leather and high-heeled pumps. Bayonetta, a witch who does battle with angelic enemies, and not the kind that remind you of sugar and rainbows, follows in the footsteps of Dante and Nero, performing crazy acrobatics with female finesse that neither of the two men could ever hope to achieve. Tucked away in her stilettos are some of her weaponry, guns that she uses to blow holes the size of watermelons in angels' heads, along with enough grace and power to put any would-be hunter to shame.
“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.”
“This relationship underscores SEGA’s continuing drive to bring high-quality content to Western audiences, pushing current standards of innovation in gameplay by introducing fresh, original IP that plays to the strengths of the individual platforms,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America.
If PlatinumGames members previous collective titles are any indication of the direction this company is headed, we see good things for both them and Sega in the future.