Sega Announces Next-Gen Alien RPG

Sega of America issued a press release earlier this morning announcing development of multiple next-gen video game titles (including an RPG) based on the popular Alien film franchise.

SEGA AND TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX LICENSING & MERCHANDISING TO BRING ALIEN FRANCHISE TO NEXT-GEN SYSTEMS
Newest License Underscores Key Strategy for SEGA Growth While Reinvigorating Classic Fan Favorite
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (December 11, 2006) – SEGAÂ® of America Inc., SEGAÂ® Europe Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising today announced a worldwide exclusive agreement to bring game content based on the critically-acclaimed Alien film franchise to next-generation gaming systems. Multiple titles, including a first-person shooter and a role playing game, are currently in pre-production with the first to be released in 2009. Securing the rights to produce Alien titles reinforces SEGA’s strategy of combining premium licensed content with original IP to aggressively expand its global business.
“As a direct result of Fox’s efforts over the past 27 years, Alien has become one of the most recognized franchises in the motion picture industry,” said Simon Jeffery, President and Chief Operating Officer, SEGA of America, Inc. “SEGA will utilize the power of next-gen systems to blend the time-honored story with leading edge design technology to deliver a riveting and suspenseful gameplay experience.”
“Alien is one of those special franchises that has continued to thrive in licensing long after it has left theaters. The L & M program has been very successful over the years because we have partnered with the best companies in each category and created appealing products that become must-haves for the extremely loyal Alien fans.” added Elie Dekel, Executive Vice President, Fox Licensing & Merchandising. “We look forward to partnering with SEGA, a known leader in the gaming industry, to expand the program to the next generation gaming systems and bring the franchise to life with the newest technology and gameplay.”
Since its 1979 debut, Alien and its three sequels have grossed more than $557 million worldwide, garnering numerous awards, including two Academy AwardsÂ®. In 2002, Alien was deemed “culturally significant” by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. For more information, please visit www.sega.com/aliens
About SEGAÂ® of America, Inc.
SEGAÂ® of America, Inc. is the American Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGAÂ® Corporation, 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.
About SEGAÂ® Europe Ltd.
SEGAÂ® Europe, Ltd. is the European Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGAÂ® 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. The SEGAÂ® Europe, Ltd. Web Site is located at www.sega-europe.com.
About Twentieth Century Fox
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

UPDATE: It appears that Obsidian Entertainment may be the developer currently working on the Aliens RPG.