THQ Reveals Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War II

Rumored for several weeks, officials from THQ have officially revealed details of a sequel to highly acclaimed real-time strategy title Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War, to be developed by original series creators Relic Entertainment on the PC. Based on the popular Warhammer 40,000 science fiction universe created by British company Games Workshop, the original game proved both a commercial and critical hit. The title spawned three expansion packs, the latest of which, Soulstorm, proved a top ten hit for THQ. The sequel is scheduled for release in spring 2009 and has currently only been announced for the PC. It will be powered by an enhanced version of Relic’s proprietary Essence Engine 2.0, originally also used in the acclaimed Company of Heroes. Owners of Soulstorm will be invited to participate in an invitation-only multiplayer beta program for the sequel, due to take place at an unspecified future date. “The original Dawn of War and its subsequent standalone expansions have established the series as one of the industry’s leading RTS franchises,” said Brad Carraway, vice president of global brand management at THQ. “Dawn of War II will re-define RTS gaming to gamers worldwide, delivering brutal frontline action and tactics, and allowing players to get straight to the action with unprecedented fast-paced RTS gameplay and a full co-op campaign, all in stunning cinematic detail,” he added.