Sega to license out IPs to 3rd party developers

Rumor is abound that Sega has plans to auction off a number of its key intellectual properties to western (US/European) developers in an effort to increase sales of under-exploited franchises. Among the list are the House of the Dead (pictured), Shinobi, Crazy Taxi, NiGHTS, Golden Axe, Virtua Cop, and Streets of Rage. True, some of these franchises were abandoned in the mid-90s but, under the right conditions, would definitely make a welcomed return—Roo, the boxing marsupial from Streets of Rage 3 anyone? Let the bidding begin...