John Woo-Backed Studio Partners With Sega

New Santa Monica-based interactive entertainment studio Tiger Hill Entertainment, which is backed by movie director John Woo, has today announced that it's entered into a multiyear partnership with Sega. The companies plan to create and publish games based on both original and existing John Woo and Sega properties. Tiger Hill Entertainment's mission, according to today's press release, is to redefine the action adventure genre through its innovative approach to development and production. The formation of the Tiger Hill Entertainment partnership with Sega announced today marks the first time that a filmmaker and a video game developer will work together on original properties to be developed into video games.

"Interactive entertainment has quickly become a mainstay in the entertainment industry," said John Woo. "With games being cinematic by nature, it only makes sense to bridge the gap between filmmaker and game developer to deliver the ultimate action adventure gaming experience. The formation of Tiger Hill Entertainment and the company's partnership with video game industry veteran Sega will deliver that experience."

"John Woo's incredible sense for action films and his deep storytelling abilities combined with Sega's innovative approach to game development will help shape the future of action adventure games in this industry," said Shinobu Toyoda, executive vice president of content strategy and business development, Sega of America.

The official Tiger Hill Web site contains brief descriptions of three games that are already in development at the company, although no specific platforms or release dates have been announced at this time. The three games announced to date are as follows:

Sinner
You'll assume the role of an assassin who, after being murdered during a contract, is sent to hell. If you're able to escape the 18 levels of what the lead character determines is Buddhist hell, you'll have a chance to avenge your death back on Earth and return to the woman you love.

Burglar
You'll play the estranged son of a world-class thief whose father is ironically killed in his own home by a common burglar. With no experience but a number of tools left behind your father, you turn to thievery and set out to avenge your father's death.

Stranglehold
The game will revolve around two men on opposite sides of the law whose lives become intertwined when the son of a cop is murdered and the blame is laid on an innocent gang leader. It's not yet clear which character or characters you'll get to play as in the game.

We'll bring you more information on Tiger Hill's games as soon as it becomes available.