Outcry from animal rights organization PETA has caused Sega to remove chimpanzee-starring advertisements from its official site, with the organization declaring that it is "officially bananas about Sega" and sending the game publisher vegan chocolates.

PETA took issue with Sega's use of a real-life chimpanzee in various ads for Gearbox's maraca-shaking music game Samba de Amigo, which hit Wii in September. In the game, players take control of a smiling, big-eyed monkey.

However, despite their supposed removal from all things Sega, the chimp-starring Samba video advertisements are still available for download on Sega's press FTP.

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According to PETA, the process went something like this:

We explained how involuntary chimpanzee 'actors' are taken away from their mothers when they are just a year or so old and forced to perform confusing and repetitious tricks. We also explained... Read more

Sega has announced that it will handle the publishing duties for High Voltage Software's upcoming Wii first-person shooter The Conduit, which takes place in Washington DC following a "vicious alien invasion" by The Drudge. "The Conduit is one of the most talked-about Wii games this year and High Voltage Software has only scratched the surface of the game in terms of what they have shown so far" explained Sega of America president Simon Jeffery.

"They have proven that graphical and technological innovation can be exciting to the Wii market," he added. "Sega is thrilled to partner with a team that truly shares our belief in the Wii's gaming potential beyond the casual market."

The Conduit is expected to arrive in spring 2009. For more on the game and its highly customizable control scheme, hit up our recent hands-on preview.

Nearly ten years ago EA Sports president Peter Moore was an executive at Sega, brought in at the eleventh hour to manage the launch of the Dreamcast. It would be Sega's last console, as the Japanese game giant announced not long after that it was backing out of the hardware business and focusing on publishing software.

It would have been reasonable to assume that Sega's Japanese leadership made the decision to surrender the console wars, but Moore took credit for the decision in an interview with The Guardian.

"On January 31, 2001, we said Sega is leaving hardware--somehow I got to make that call, not the Japanese. I had to fire a lot of people; it was not a pleasant day," Moore recalled.

In Moore's mind, the alternative was Sega taking one last gamble on a console and facing bankruptcy--not an attractive option after the failure of the Saturn and Dreamcast systems. "So we licked our wounds, ate some humble pie and went to Sony and Nintendo to ask for [development] kits," he explained.

Sega's action-RPG Phantasy Star series is heading out on another online adventure, this time on Nintendo DS.

Japanese game magazine Weekly Famitsu pulled the wraps off Phantasy Star Zero. A new entry in the future-fantasy hack-and-slash series, the game features a new story and Wi-Fi co-operative multiplayer for up to 4 players either locally or via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online play.

Communication makes creative use of the Nintendo DS' unique features by letting players sketch messages on the system's touch screen a la Pictochat. The messages then pop up as speech bubbles on other players' screens.

A North American release is not confirmed at this time, but the game will launch in Japan in December.

Speaking on various elements of Sega of America's operations, company president Simon Jeffery critiqued publisher Electronic Arts' handling of the core gamer market.

"EA has always struggled with the hardcore gamer," Jeffery told VentureBeat. "I think they look at Gears of War and Halo and wonder why they can't do that. EA has to do something about that. They have tried on and off over the years. It's just like Activision had to come out from doing hardcore games and do more for the masses."

Jeffery further described what he sees as changing tastes among core gamers, moving away from lengthy, epic experiences towards pick-up-and-play titles.

"We are seeing a shift, even in hardcore games, to snackable gaming," Jeffery explained. "Call of Duty 4 had a shorter single-player campaign and... Read more

Sega of America VP of marketing Sean Ratcliffe acknowledged that criticism directed towards recent Sonic the Hedgehog titles is not without merit, following the lukewarm reception of recent Sonic Team efforts.

"Some of that criticism is probably warranted," Ratcliffe admitted to GameDaily. "We definitely recognize that a franchise that has been going as long as Sonic, you really have to put a huge amount of effort in to make sure that you maintain that quality, and arguably a disproportionate amount of effort."

Ratcliffe added that upcoming Sonic titles reflect the first steps in ensuring quality installments of Sega's flagship franchise, citing BioWare's development of the upcoming Nintendo DS RPG Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood as an example.

"We can't just stand still with Sonic; we've got to be looking at different ways to develop the character, different genres, and so on... If you're going to put Sonic... Read more

Creative Assembly, the studio behind the Total War series of PC real-time strategy games, has unveiled Stormrise, a console-exclusive RTS due on Xbox 360 and PS3. As with most console RTS projects, the game promises a simple control scheme that will "revolutionise" the genre. Multiple vertical layers of combat--air, surface, underground--are said to set the game apart from other RTS efforts.

"Stormrise has been built from the ground up specifically for high def consoles to provide a more intense, frenetic style of game that, coupled with the all new control mechanic, will revolutionise the way RTS games are played," claimed Sega Europe marketing director Gary Knight.

Published by Sega, Stormrise is expected to arrive in 2009. As with most recently-unveiled titles, expect more details to surface during next week's E3 Media & Business Summit.

Publisher Sega has extended its licensing arrangement for Epic's Unreal Engine 3 to include another unknown cross-platform title, with both companies refusing to disclose any further details.

Sega first licensed the popular PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 middleware last year for use in "several upcoming projects being developed in North America."

While the publisher did not provide any details at the time, that announcement likely referred to Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines (PC, PS3, 360) and Obsidian's spy-RPG Alpha Protocol (PC, PS3, 360), both UE3-powered titles revealed since that time.

Sega has announced a four-game publishing deal with PlatinumGames, the independent studio formed by the ex-Capcom staff responsible for Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, Steel Battalion, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami.

The titles include Madworld (Wii), Infinite Line (NDS), Bayonetta (PS3, X360), and an untitled fourth game from Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. Be sure to check out the entire post for more media, including a Bayonetta trailer with a sultry female.

Bayonetta (PS3, X360) / 2009
Producer: Hideki Kamiya, creator of Devil May Cry
Description: "Magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions."

Madworld (Wii) / Q1 2009
Producer: Atsushi Inaba
Description: "Irreverent humor and over-the-top violence."

... Read more

UK publisher Codemasters today revealed that it has purchased Sega's UK Racing Studio. Previous owner Sega recently announced its intent to close the studio, citing a mandate to ensure each branch remained profitable.

The sole game to be developed and released by Sega Racing Studio was Sega Rally Revo (PC, PS3, X360, PSP) in 2007. The acquisition provides the company with the opportunity to work on such well-received Codemasters racing franchises as Colin McRae and Race Driver.

"In seizing this opportunity, we have created additional resources to escalate our plans in the racing segment," stated Codemasters chief executive Rod Cousens. "We hope to welcome more than 40 people to the company.

"We have enjoyed the full co-operation of our friends at Sega in making this happen," he continued. "It is good business for Codemasters, an exciting prospect and there will be more to come as we are not content to stand still."

Sega revealed that its Birmingham, UK-based development house Sega Racing Studio has closed its doors after just three years in operation.

The studio, which was founded in 2005, employed over 60 members working on multiple projects. The sole game to be developed and released by Sega Racing Studio was Sega Rally Revo (PC, PS3, X360, PSP), released in 2007.

"The decision is part of a review of Sega's Western Development Studios to ensure that each studio is a profitable entity in its own right," Sega wrote in an email to Next-Gen.

The company added, "Unfortunately the Sega Racing Studios 5 year plan would not result in a successful return for the Sega business moving forward. Sega would like to stress that there will be no changes within their other internal development studios."

The announcement follows a string of studio closures including Stormfront Studios, Castaway Entertainment, and Pseudo Interactive, all of which announced shutdowns this month.

Following the game's unofficial revelation earlier this month, publisher Sega has announced Sonic Unleashed, the latest entry in its long-running Sonic the Hedgehog series, and released the first two official screens.

Slated to release on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii, Unleashed is being developed by Sonic Team and is due out later this year.

Unleashed will mix the series' classic 2D run-and-jump gameplay with the 3D stylings of more recent Sonic titles. According to Sega, the game's "Hedgehog Engine" technology, which has been in development for three years, allows "seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions" and an "expansive world with multiple paths."

Going by the leaked assets and vague hints within today's announcements, it appears that Sonic will transform into a werewolf-like beast when night falls within the game.

"When darkness sets in Sonic Unleashed players will be able to experience a completely new way to play as Sonic," explained Sega Europe marketing director Gary Knight, "making this his most exciting adventure yet!”

An abundance of supposed media from the next Sonic the Hedgehog game appeared online across the weekend, giving gamers what many believe to be the first look at the blue speedster's next adventure.

While Sega has yet to officially announce the game or comment on the media, the title is rumored to be known as Sonic Unleashed, with the resolution of the screenshots suggesting it is being developed for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. According to the rumors, the title is expected to release later this year.

In all, the materials included a whopping 82 screenshots--70 in-game, 12 cutscene stills--along with a short gameplay video, which is viewable below.

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Marvel and publisher Sega today announced The Incredible Hulk, a tie-in game based on the upcoming movie of the same name. The project is being developed by Edge of Reality, an up-and-coming studio known for its games based on Dreamworks animated films.

Though created by a different studio, The Incredible Hulk will sport many of the same features that The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction boasted--most importantly a dynamic open world, with towering skyscrapers and plenty of things to smash.

The game will attempt a small-scale recreation of Manhattan, with story-based tasks, sub-quests and minigames littering the landscape. New moves will be learned via a rage system, which will see the The Hulk gaining experience from his destruction.

The Incredible Hulk is set for a June release, on PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. Developer Amaze will also be releasing a DS version.

Sega of America today announced the appointment of Sean Ratcliffe as the company's new vice president of marketing. Ratcliffe, who previously served as the European marketing director for both Disney Interactive Studios and Electronic Arts, began his role at Sega on March 3.

According to the announcement, Ratcliffe will continue "the company's strategy of developing the right games for the right platforms."

"Sean's impressive accomplishments include managing the worldwide launch of hit titles like Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone as well as playing a key role in Disney Interactive’s impressive market share growth," said Sega of America COO and president Simon Jeffery.

"These achievements, coupled with his proven ability to work on a worldwide scale, make Sean a fantastic asset at a global company like Sega," Jeffery concluded.

Much to the dismay of the ShackStaff, both Sega and Google Image Search failed to provide a headshot of Ratcliffe. In its place, please accept the accompanying drawing of a unicorn eating glitter by Adam Koford.

Neverwinter Nights 2 and Knights of the Old Republic 2 developer Obsidian has revealed the first details on Alpha Protocol, the studio's upcoming spy-oriented action role playing game.

Due out on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 next spring, the game follows Michael Thorton, a super spy in the making. According to the latest issue of print magazine Game Informer, which broke the news, Thorton's adventures are in the vein of such renowned badasses as James Bond, Jack Bauer, and Jason Bourne.

Similar to BioWare's Mass Effect (PC, X360), the game sports real-time third-person combat. A number of selectable skills allow gamers to focus more on their chosen play style, be it action-heavy or stealthy.

Unlike most RPGs, the characters that populate an area will only engage in a specific conversation once, dictating caution when choosing dialog options and tone of voice. Much like any good spy, Thorton will run across, and be able to woo, countless women during his globe-traveling exploits.

More information and details on Alpha Protocol, which will be published by Sega, are expected shortly. Sega and Obsidian are also working together on an RPG set in the Aliens universe.

Sega today announced that its visually distinctive RPG Valkyria Chronicles will receive a North American release this fall exclusively on the PlayStation 3.

Valkyria Chronicles is set in a fictional version of 1930s Europe. Using Sega's internally-developed CANVAS graphics engine, the game will sport striking 3D graphics reminiscent of watercolor paintings. Combat will be a mix of tactical battle with real-time controls, a system dubbed "BLiTZ" by the development team.

Sega also handed over a few screenshots of the game, allowing for an early gander at the CANVAS engine.

Publisher Sega today officially announced Aliens: Colonial Marines, the Gearbox Software-developed FPS title based on the popular movie series.

The squad-based shooter will support four-player cooperative play, and is set to hit stores within the year.

Featuring a story-driven single player campaign centering around a team of soldiers facing an alien assault, Aliens: Colonial Marines will attempt to recreate the look and feel of the original films while providing a tense FPS experience.

The game will also boast a four player co-op mode, with each player taking on a distinct role within the squad. Additional multiplayer modes will be announced at a later date.

Elements taken directly from the Aliens sequel will include pulse rifles, flamethrowers, and the Sulaco spaceship. A soundtrack described as "brooding" will also accompany the claustrophobic environments.

Weapons, skills, and equipment new to the Alien universe will also make an appearance, though none were specified.

Aliens: Colonial Marines will be released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in late 2008.

Sega has released two new Sega Superstars Tennis trailers, showing footage from Chu Chu Rocket and Jet Set Radio inspired mini-games available in the game. Sega Superstars Tennis ships next month for PS2, PS3, X360, Wii and Nintendo DS.

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Publisher Sega has today titled developer BioWare's upcoming Sonic RPG, officially announcing that Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood will hit the Nintendo DS sometime in 2008.

Sega also sent along some shots of the colorful game, which you can check out below.