Press release: 1997-06-19: LEADING GAME PUBLISHERS ALLY WITH SEGA, PRODUCE 80 TOP TITLES FOR SEGA SATURN THIS YEAR

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega.com (archived)

LEADING GAME PUBLISHERS ALLY WITH SEGA, PRODUCE 80 TOP TITLES FOR SEGA SATURN THIS YEAR

ATLANTA -- (June 19, 1997) E3 Booth #1546 --
Sega® of America today announced it expects 80 third party games to ship for the Sega SaturnTM this year. With this year's exciting line up, the Sega Saturn library will reach more than 300 games. Among the 20 major companies producing titles for Sega Saturn are Electronic ArtsTM, FoxTM Interactive, Capcom® Entertainment, InterplayTM, Konami® Acclaim®, Working Designs® and Atlus®.

"Third party publishers are taking advantage of untapped potential in the Sega Saturn hardware architecture to create ground breaking graphics and speed in realistic environments," said Gretchen Eichinger, group director of third party licensing, Sega of America. "This year's line-up will showcase some of the best next generation video games from third party developers on the Sega Saturn and Sega Genesis platform."

Electronic Arts (EA) is leading the pack with seven Sega releases this year. EA titles will include hit games such as the number-one selling real-time strategy game "Warcraft® II: The Dark SagaTM," and the all new "BattlestationsTM" and "Darklight ConflictTM." EA SPORTS action for Sega Saturn will include critically acclaimed giants, such as "Madden NFL® 98," "NBA® Live 98," "NHL® 98" and "FIFA, Road to World Cup 98."

Under license from Electronic Arts, THQ will be distributing "Madden NFL® 98," NBA® Live 98" and "NHL® 98" for Sega Genesis.

Capcom will release five Sega Saturn games this fall: "Resident EvilTM," the wildly popular game of 3D horrors where players investigate the site of mysterious disappearances and murders; "MegaMan X4TM," the most entertaining and challenging installment of the Mega Man X series yet; "Marvel Super HeroesTM," a home translation of the #1 arcade blockbuster, and "Super Street Fighter II CollectionTM," a collection of three arcade classics from the Capcom's flagship fighting series. Capcom's "Mega Man 8" arrived at retails stores in February, and demand for the "blue bomber" led to product records nationwide.

Working Designs, a leading developer of successful RPG games, has three exclusive products to add to the strong third party line-up. "Sega AgesTM," "Albert Odyssey: Legend of EldeanTM" and "Magic Knight RayearthTM." "Sega Ages" contains three classic arcade games -- "Space HarrierTM," a sci-fi thriller; "OutRunTM," an explosive tour race event; and "Afterburner IITM," the choice top gun action sequel.

Players can explore the supernatural world in the recently-released graphic adventure "LunacyTM" from Atlus. The way to survive this scrupulous Sega Saturn exclusive is to master complex puzzles while protecting the most precious possession of the titles' characters -- their memory.

Sega of America third party licensing group supports outside development for Sega Saturn titles by establishing close ties with game producers and programmers from the beta stage to the final product. Technical support, access to software tools and a broad graphics library pave the way for Sega's third party colleagues to produce graphically rich and innovative games.

"All the top publishers are bringing their best games to Sega Saturn," said Gretchen Eichinger, group director of third party licensing, Sega of America. "The list reflects the quality which keeps retailers and Sega Saturn consumers happy."

Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS and Darklight Conflict are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts or is wholly-owned subsidiaries. NFL, NBA, NHL, World Cup and FIFA are trademarks of registered trademarks of their respective owners and used under license. The Dark Saga and WarCraft are trademarks or registered trademarks of Davidson & Associates, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at (http://www.sega.com).