Ubisoft and its Blue Byte studio have today announced the development of the fifth title in the Settlers series. Scheduled for release later this year, the currently unnamed game will be first in the long-running strategy series to be presented in 3D.

　　"We wanted to offer an original gaming experience with the new Settlers game," said Benedikt Grindel, producer at Ubisoft's Blue Byte studio. "After the release of Settlers IV, we looked at other directions for the Settlers franchise. After listening to feedback from Settlers fans, we believe we succeeded in renewing the franchise by adding many new gameplay and design elements while keeping the essence of Settlers."

　　"This highly awaited game from the cult series will excite existing fans and newcomers alike," added Odile Limpach, director of Ubisoft in Germany. "The creativity and quality that Blue Byte has put into the game is second to none--a commitment central to all Ubisoft development studios."

　　Details on the next Settlers game are scarce at present, save for the fact that the game will see players traveling to a medieval kingdom to attempt to reclaim it from an evil tyrant. We'll bring you more information on the next game in the Settlers series as soon as it becomes available.