Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games was apparently just the tip of the iceberg for Sega’s production of Olympics-based videogames. This week, Sega has inked an exclusive partnership with International Sports Multimedia to enter development on Beijing 2008 – the Official Video Game of the Olympic Games. In development by Eurocom for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC (a mobile phone version is in the works too), Beijing 2008 will feature more than 35 authentic Olympic sporting events, official stadium venues like the Beijing National Stadium the National Aquatics Center, and for the first time in any Olympics videogame, full online competition on all three platforms. Beijing 2008 is due out this summer. Hit the jump for the first screenshots.
“Beijing 2008™ will set a new standard for sports games in this genre,” commented Hugh Binns, Director of Eurocom. “With a huge number of events, innovative control schemes to benefit new and experienced gamers, online multiplayer modes providing hours of entertainment and stunning high definition graphics, Beijing 2008™ will be a fantastic experience.”
“SEGA has truly embraced the spirit of the Olympic Games first with the launch of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games™ and now with the official video game for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,” said Don Mesa, Marketing Director of SEGA of America. “The addition of online play in an Olympic title revolutionizes the franchise and has brought the scope of international competition to the gamer at home for the first time.”
“Extending our relationship with SEGA to include the Official Video Game of Beijing 2008 strengthens the opportunity to build upon the success of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. We feel certain that SEGA will further the success of Athens 2004™, thereby delivering what will be an outstanding, quality gaming experience”, stated Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman and CEO of International Sports Multimedia.