Sega said that the new partnership with PlatinumGames Inc. will bring four unique games to market, created by proven Japanese development talent.

Osaka, Japan-based PlatinumGames is an independent developer comprised of former members of Clover Studio, the expired Capcom development house behind titles including Okami and God Hand.

Games that fall under the agreement with Sega include the highly-stylized Wii-exclusive game Madworld (Q1 2009, pictured), the space faring DS RPG Infinite Line (working title, 2009), the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 action game Bayonetta (2009) from Devil May Cry creator Hideki Kamiya, and an unannounced game from Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami.

PlatinumGames CEO Tatsuya Minami said that his studio"s titles will "contribute meaningfully to Sega"s brand."

Sega of America COO Simon Jeffery said that the deal "underscores Sega"s continuing drive to bring high-quality content to Western audiences."

Sega"s Western initiative has also been marked by significant publisher partnerships with respected Western developers. The Tokyo-based company once known primarily for internally-developed Japanese properties has formed partnerships with Western studios including Gas Powered Games, Gearbox Software, Monolith Productions, Petroglyph and BioWare.