Blue Byte set on Settlers VI

Ubisoft's Germany-based studio Blue Byte is already at work on The Settlers II: The Next Generation, a 10th Anniversary remake of the PC strategy classic, but it's already looking to its next project, a full-fledged sequel to the series. Ubisoft today announced that Blue Byte is working on The Settlers VI (working title) for the PC, with a projected release sometime in 2007.

The publisher has set the bar high for its studio, promising "the best The Settlers game yet," "a perfect mix of favorite elements alongside new developments," and "the best graphics seen in a strategy game to date." Among the team attempting to back up those claims are developers with experience on The Settlers III, The Settlers IV: Heritage of Kings, and the Settlers II: The Next Generation.

Little is known about the sixth installment of the series, but players will once again create cities and watch them bustle with the activities of their inhabitants, and the game will include a story-based campaign mode. Those eager to learn more about the game may have to be a little patient. Extra details on the "new and enhanced" gameplay features will be revealed next year, Ubisoft said.