SEGA of America Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Rick Nielsen, guitarist and founding member of the musical group Cheap Trick, would compose guitar tracks for the anticipated title, The Conduit™, for the Wii™ home video game system. Nielsen, who has penned and performed such hits as I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, is known for his distinctly powerful riffs and for his signature five-neck custom guitar and crowd-pleasing live performances.

"Rick Nielsen is a rock legend who just happens to be a really likeable guy," said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, Sega of America. "It is a testament to the growing word of mouth surrounding The Conduit that he took an interest in this project and was gracious enough to lend us his expertise."

"We were very excited to get the chance to work with Rick on The Conduit," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software. "Even though he’s known for driving rock guitar, he was able to provide great ambience and textural qualities that perfectly fits the mood of the game and helps it become a truly unique experience."

The Conduit unfolds in a near-future Washington DC after a set of inexplicable events leave the city in a state of panic. As new recruits of a shadowy government agency, players will investigate strange occurrences upsetting the city, all while trying to keep one step ahead of a mysterious and lethal enemy.

"I hope these lunar notes float with you," Rick Nielsen said on adding guitar to The Conduit.
 
The Conduit is slated to release in summer 2009 exclusively for Wii. For more information on The Conduit please visit: www.conduitgame.com