Sega to publish The Conduit [Updated with confirmation]

8:44 AM on 10.29.2008   |   Jim Sterling

27 comments

Sega has been uncharacteristically doing it right lately. Sonic Unleashed looks hot, there are decent DS games on the way and then there are the jizzworthy Platinum Games titles. It looks like the company might have pulled one more canny move to seal the deal, as evidence points to Sega publishing High Voltage's anticipated Wii shooter, The Conduit.

The evidence has been found by IGN, who noticed that Sega has a folder labeled "The Conduit" up on its public FTP site. While not an official confirmation by any means, it is a very strong implication indeed, and would fit in line with Sega's recent MO of acquiring games that don't look like total sh*t.

High Voltage promises an official announcement this week, so stay tuned for the final word.

Update: It's confirmed! Sega sent over a press release which announces their decision to bring The Conduit to the Wii. Hit the jump for more. 

SEGA gets zapped by HIGH VOLTAGE

 With The conduit

SEGA to Publish Highly Anticipated Wii Title in Spring 2009

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (TBA, 2008) –SEGA® of Europe Ltd. and SEGA^® of America, Inc. today announced a worldwide partnership with High Voltage Software to publish and distribute the Wii™ home video game system-exclusive title, The Conduit. The first-person shooter garnered multiple awards at E3 2008, including three awards from IGN: Best Shooting Game (Wii), Best Graphics Technology (Wii) and Best Overall Wii Game. The Conduit is a stunning, futuristic title powered by a new game engine technology that delivers remarkable visuals and effects, as well as a rich interactive experience that is unlike any other title on the Wii.

“Bringing The Conduit into our library is yet another show of SEGA’s belief that the Wii is more than a casual games console,” says Gary Knight, European Marketing Director at SEGA of Europe Ltd.. “As one of the most anticipated Wii games for next year, The Conduit will be the new benchmark for first person shooters.”

“High Voltage Software's partnership with SEGA to publish The Conduit represents an important milestone for this studio,” said Kerry Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software, Inc. “SEGA shares our vision for the title and its tremendous potential, which is why we chose them from a long list of potential partners.  With their support, we are confident that The Conduit will deliver the definitive shooter experience that Wii fans have been waiting for since the system's launch.”

The Conduit takes players into a dark story in Washington D.C. after a vicious alien invasion has rocked the country. An organization called the Trust has sent in Secret Service agent, Mr. Ford, to go up against the insect-like alien race known as “The Drudge.” Armed with an array of futuristic weaponry and an intelligence-gathering device simply called the “All-Seeing Eye,” players follow an intricate maze filled with conspiracy, shady government activity and terrifying aliens.

The Conduit’s detailed control system allows players to customize and configure their controls, including look sensitivity, turning speed, the dead zone and much more. As players delve further into the mystery behind the extraterrestrial invasion, shocking details reveal that the invasion may have been brought on with help from the government itself.

Powered by High Voltage Software’s groundbreaking Quantum 3 engine, The Conduit ensures that players will experience single and multiplayer gameplay with graphical fidelity never seen before on the Wii. The Conduit will also support the recently announced Wii Speak peripheral, allowing online multiplayer gamers the ability to chat as they destroy aliens in each terrifying level. Additionally, the game will take advantage of the Wii MotionPlus for optimal control.