Sega announced today that it has signed a worldwide partnership with PlatinumGames. Under terms of this agreement, PlatinumGames will develop MadWorld, Infinite Line and Bayonetta under the Sega banner. A fourth game from Shinji Mikami (known for his work on popular Capcom titles, including Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry) is also part of this deal, and will be announced at a later date.

"This relationship underscores Sega's continuing drive to bring high-quality content to Western audiences, pushing current standards of innovation in gameplay by introducing fresh, original IP that plays to the strengths of the individual platforms," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, Sega of America.

MadWorld is described as a third-person action game with a combination of "irreverent humor and over-the-top violence." It's set to release for the Wii in early 2009. Infinite Line is described as an RPG where players can customize spaceships, and it will release for the DS in 2009. Bayonetta, being billed as "a stylish and cinematic action game" with a witch facing off against angelic enemies, is set to release for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2009.

"The creative forces at PlatinumGames bring a new level of imagination into the Sega family at a pivotal time in the video game industry when the demand for quality, originality and fun has never been greater," said Tatsuya Minami, President and CEO, PlatinumGames. "These new titles will contribute meaningfully to Sega's brand, while adding a new level of depth to the strategic portfolio of games in our library."