Official Beijing Olympics game unveiled

Following the successful 2007 release of Sega's Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, the firm has announced it is now developing a true official video game of the 2008 Beijing Olympics for release this summer.

Entitled Beijing 2008, it will feature real people as opposed to mascot characters and will offer 35 events, with venues ranging from the Beijing National Stadium to the National Aquatics Centre.

The game, which promises to provide "innovative control schemes that allow novice gamers to learn how to play", is being developed for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

The Olympics title is being created by development team Eurocom Developments, with the firm claiming it will offer "superb online gameplay, and a variety of game modes never seen in an official video game of the Olympic Games".

“Beijing 2008 will set a new standard for sports games in this genre," said Hugh Binns, director of Eurocom Development. “With a huge number of events, innovative control schemes to benefit new and experienced gamers, online multiplayer modes providing hours of entertainment and stunning high definition graphics, Beijing 2008 will be a fantastic experience.”

Below are five new screenshots showing some of the in-game footage from Beijing 2008.