We're always glad when we hear that a new company licenses the Unreal Engine 3 (and we're sure that Epic feels the same) because, in our case, it means that new quality titles might emerge. Not to mention the fact that, by licensing the engine, a developer admits that it is working on a new project - even though, unfortunately, most of the times they refuse to offer further details. The same happened with Sega, which has announced the licensing of Unreal Engine 3 for one "unannounced, cross-platform game" - and that's about everything we know about the game.

"The great capabilities of Unreal Engine 3 make it possible for our developers to deliver incredible gaming experiences," said Dave Cobb, Vice President of Development for SEGA of America. "Unreal Engine 3 provides superior power and flexibility enabling SEGA to bring original and exciting next-generation multi-platform titles."

The original agreement between Sega and Epic began in May 2007 and it seems that the developers found the Engine as the best option for their games. And, even though it could be a long shot, by having in mind that the company stated that it would take advantage of the dynamic ambient occlusion, destructible environments and the advanced crowd system, we could imagine that Sega is not planning a shooter, at least. Crowd system, they say...

"SEGA has cultivated some of the world's most treasured game franchises, and we are thrilled that they have decided to make more games with Unreal Engine 3," said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. "Epic is committed to supporting SEGA with exceptional tools and technologies so it may continue to build upon its successes."

Further details will arrive later this year, probably, and we'll know exactly what to expect when we hear them. Maybe some good old games will be re-done by Sega, maybe a completely new IP will hit the market. Who cares, really, as long as we're talking about a great title?