Power Gig: Rise of the SixString will transport players to an entirely new universe, with its own mythology, politics, settings, heroes and villains, where music rules all, using new technology that represents the next evolution of music performance games to provide all players with a more authentic and fun experience.

Last week Edge Online reported that SEGA of America had to lay off several of its employees citing "economic recession, harsh retail landscape, and the reality of business challenges to profitability." Sega has now confirmed that "around 30 people" were laid off from Sega of America, though it offered no details about which divisions were affected by the cuts.

SEGA of America's VP of marketing Scott Steinberg has revealed what they have planned for the PS3, and Wii console launches. In an interview with GameDaily, Steinberg revealed Sonic the Hedgehog and Full Auto 2: Battlelines will be PS3 launch titles, while Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is going to be available when the Wii makes its retail debut. In case that wasn't enough, Steinberg also mentioned Full Auto 2 might come to the X360 after the exclusivity expires, while Sonic Wild Fire and Virtua Fighter 5 are currently scheduled for March 2007.

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that Hideaki Irie has joined SEGA of America as president and chief operating officer, effective October 1, 2003. As president and COO, Irie's responsibilities will include directing SEGA's console software gaming businesses in North America, including all product and business development, marketing, sales, operations and content. Irie brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the helm, which includes a previous presidential role.