Mario & Sonic Winter Olympics confirmed (CVG 10/2/09)

It looks like the rumours were true: Mario & Sonic will return this year to face off in skiing, ice hockey and lots more wintry events for a game based on the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Sega has yet to officially confirm the title exists but that hasn't stopped 2010's director of licensing, Dennis Kim. He said that while he doesn't know exactly which sports the pair of console mascots will be facing off in, he hopes they'll bring in as much cash as the first game.

"Last year, 2008, they had a very successful game using Mario and Sonic at the Beijing Games, as well as a multi-sport simulation type of game," Kim told The Province.

"That's what's being discussed and planned for Vancouver. We are feeling optimistic about sales because of the Beijing experience." Kim said the Mario and Sonic game was "a top 10 game" during the Beijing Olympics.

The site reports: "As well as a Mario and Sonic 2010 Olympic game, Sega will also produce a simulation game with more realistic portrayals of athletes and venues."

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games has sold more than nine million copies. Sega is also planning an obligatory "realistic" 2010 simulation game alongside the Wii party effort, says Kim.

"They want to get a real sense of accuracy, particularly with the landscape and the venues and the look of the Games." Kim said he doesn't know exactly when the 2010 video games will be available, but said they usually go on sale around the time of the Olympics.

We've left a message with Sega UK for confirmation, but don't expect much more than a "no comment" to be honest.

UPDATE: It's a "no comment" from Sega.