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Sega Acquires Alien License

Japanese-headquartered publisher and developer Sega has acquired the license to create new games based on the Alien series of movies from 20th Century Fox, with games including a first-person shooter and an RPG currently in pre-production.

David Jenkins, Blogger

December 11, 2006

2 Min Read
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Japanese-headquartered publisher and developer Sega has acquired the license to create new games based on the Alien series of movies from 20th Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising, with games including a first-person shooter and a role playing game currently in pre-production. The movie series, particularly the first two entries, have had an enormous influence on video games in general and have resulted in a number of well received games in the past. Sega’s own history with the franchise is limited to 1993 light gun game Alien³: The Gun, although 1988 classic Alien Syndrome was clearly influenced by the series. The first new game is not expected to appear until 2009, with both a first person shooter and a separate role-playing game being planned. None of the games are expected to be direct adaptations of any of the specific movies. The new license only relates to the Alien franchise and does not include Alien vs. Predator. According to story in The Hollywood Reporter, Sega is apparently in talks with actors from the movies, including Sigourney Weaver (Ripley) and Lance Henriksen (Bishop), to lend their likenesses and voice talents to the new games. "We haven't finalized anything at this point, but everything is on the table," said Rob Lightner, vice president of business development at Sega. "It's important for everyone to understand the difference here: We're taking licensing to the next level with this franchise." "We'll go out of our way to tie the games into the films in unique ways," added Lightner. "We're also looking at all 'Alien' source material for inspiration, in addition to the films. We may incorporate some characters that fans know and love, and we may let gamers find answers to questions that were left unanswered in the movies."

About the Author

David Jenkins

Blogger

David Jenkins ([email protected]) is a freelance writer and journalist working in the UK. As well as being a regular news contributor to Gamasutra.com, he also writes for newsstand magazines Cube, Games TM and Edge, in addition to working for companies including BBC Worldwide, Disney, Amazon and Telewest.

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