In even more compilation news, JoWood sent word that its RPG Collection is due out later this month, combining Gothic 3, SpellForce 2 and Dungeon Lords in one box. It will be priced at 29.99 Euros.

Gothic 3 is the latest entry in the popular action-RPG series, having players take on the role of a human fighting against Orcs. SpellForce 2 is a RTS/RPG hybrid, having players lead armies and solve quests and overcome obstacles as in classical RPGs. Meanwhile, Dungeon Lords is a RPG and fighter combo, offering fast-paced, action-packed combat along with tactical elements.

From Gamespot comes word that the fourth installment in the Gothic series has received a new name - it will be known as Arcania: A Gothic Tale in North America. The reason for the name change comes from the series’ unpopularity in the region compared to other territories.

The game is being handled by Spellbound Entertainment this time around instead of being at the hands of series creator Piranha Bytes. Additionally, they revealed that the North American and European versions of the game will feature different color palettes featuring bright and colorful graphics and gritty muted colors, respectively. Apparently, months of research have shown the gaming preferences of either territory, showing that American gamers are more attracted to brightly colored games than their European counterparts.

JoWood has finally revealed the development studio behind the upcoming action-RPG Gothic 4 - Spellbound Entertainment. The company cites the development of the legendary Nordland Trilogy as one of the major reasons behind choosing the studio. Furthermore, the studio has created its own tools for achieving high standards in Q&A, making both parties confident in the deal.

Gothic 4 is being developed for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360; a release date will be announced soon.

JoWood has announced its intentions to move into the North American market with the takeover of DreamCatcher, the publisher of quite a few renowned adventure games and Painkller. This acquisition will provide JoWood direct access to major retailers across the region, strengthening and spreading its network.

“Acquiring DreamCatcher perfectly aligns with JoWooD’s strategy to deliver high-quality computer and videogames globally. We are looking at DreamCatcher as our North American counterpart and there are numerous and important synergies waiting to be exploited by all of us” says Albert Seidl, CEO of JoWooD Productions Software AG.

“DreamCatcher is very excited about joining forces with JoWooD. There are some incredible synergies that are now in place that will enable us to build a very strong global company. JoWooD possesses a great line-up of titles, supported by some dynamic brands and we are thrilled about helping to further grow thosebrands in North America,” comments Richard Wah Kan, President and CEO of DreamCatcher.

Set for release next month, JoWood and Deep Silver sends word that the Collector’s Edition of Gothic 3 will include an exclusive soundtrack CD. It will include compositions written by Kai Rosenkranz and performed by the “Bochumer Philharmoniker.”

“The Collector`s Edition is a special way to say “thank you” to all our true fans out there, and it therefore should contain what the fans desire most; in all Gothic-related boards, the fans literally begged for the soundtrack to be included. In a last-minute-attempt we tried to add the soundtrack CDs to the already planned package - and we managed!” explains Johann Ertl, Community manager for JoWooD Productions.

Gothic 3 will be available starting October 13 in regular and Collector’s editions.

Those pesky terrorists are at it once again: JoWood and T7 Games jointly announced The Mark, an upcoming action-shooter that pits players in the shoes of a US Marine in a “thrilling battle” against international terrorism.

Terrorists stole a nuclear-tipped missile and plan to blast away one of Europe’s’ largest city: LONDON!The missiles short range is a problem, but money is not, and the terrorists find an accomplice, Ilya Rakov, son of a Russian billionaire and arms dealer. Aleksandr Rakov. Ilya agrees to supply the terrorists with a ship that will bring the missile within range of London. He also agrees to hunt down the only two people who are capable of foiling the plot: Steve and Sandy Fletcher. Steve and his sister Sandy are officers in the US Marine Corps. Aleksandr Rakov is horrified by his son’s plan. Unable to take direct action, he hires the elite mercenary Austin Hawke to protect and assist Fletch…

The Mark is expected to be released this Fall. Some screenshots below:

Narrowing the European release date for The Guild 2, JoWood announced that the game will now be released on September 15 in Germany and October 13 in the rest of the region. The game was formerly marked for release during Q3 2006.

However, the company also updated the release date for Panzer Elite: Dunes of War, tagging it with a delay. Formerly marked for release during Q3 2006, the standalone expansion is now due during Q4 2006.

Those bloody terrorists are at work again in JoWood’s The Mark, an upcoming FPS that has players donning the role of US Marine corps officer Steve Fletcher and Austin Hawke as they battle international terrorism in London. They are to stop a “deadly” nuclear package before it reaches London, killing thousands of innocents.

The Mark is set for release this Fall. More information is expected from GC 2006.

Through a very short press release, JoWood announced Freak Out, the “ultimate freeride skiing experience” for the PS2, PSP and PC.

The steepest slopes, thrilling stunts and dangerous action provide a most excellent skiing experience. At an altitude of 2000 metres, far away from civilization, in a battle between you and nature. Who rides the craziest track, where does the next jump lead to; speed, tricks or staying upright ? Only those who are willing to push their own boundaries will experience the ultimate adrenaline rush!

In development at Coldwood Interactive, Freak Out is scheduled for release during Q4 2006 for PC and PS2, with the PSP getting it during Q1 2007.

If you needed any more reasons to go to the Games Convention in Leipzig, this is it:

Special games have a need for special measures and loyal fans deserve a reward. Developer Piranha Bytes, publisher JoWooD Productions and co-publisher Deep Silver are proud to announce the official Gothic 3 camp in the very heart of the Games Convention in Leipzig.

From the 23rd to the 27th (the camp is opened on 24th) of August, the exhibition space between halls 2 and 4 of the fair in Leipzig will be transformed into a fantastic scene. Utilizing hundreds of square meters, a medieval market, live action role playing swordfights and the public barbecuing of a suckling pig will ensure a Gothic-styled atmosphere. Other attractions will be provided as well as the opportunity for fans to deploy their own tents to provide a base while spending exciting hours with the developers. Only a few days after Piranha Bytes called their followers to arms, more than 300 fans enrolled for the campsite.

Gothic 3 is scheduled for release this October.

In an extremely short announcement, JoWood and Deep Silver stated that Gothic 3 will be released on October 13 in Europe. Release dates for other territories weren’t mentioned.

In a short note, JoWood sent word that it will be present at the Games Convention in Leipzig, showing off Gothic 3 and The Guild 2. The showcase will be accompanied by a live on stage medieval swordfight display. In addition, the publisher will also be showing off many new games from its 2006-2007 lineups.

JoWood has announced SpellForce 2 - Dragon Storm, the “eagerly awaited” expansion to the popular RPG sequel. It is expected to be released this Winter.

SpellForce 2 - Dragon Storm takes players through a fascinating and exciting challenge as they fight for the magical portals, which seem to be the only connection between the shattered islands of Eo. During the search for the font, which could replace the dwindling energy and save the magical portals, the player recovers old runes and amazing traces of the most powerful creatures of the past: dragons…

Experience the ultimate battle when dragons wage a war!

A post on the German JoWood forums (rough English translation) carries word that the notorious Starforce copy protection system has been dropped from Gothic III. The game will now feature a copy protection scheme that is more “gentle” to the user.

JoWood has announced that the much-anticipated Gothic 3 will see its release this September, changed from the “when it’s done!” date.

In the first two parts of Gothic, you fought along a hard way from being a prisoner to becoming the hero of Khorinis, the strategically important mining island. Now the time has come for you and your friends to discover and fight across the mainland of Myrtana.

The situation is desperate: The orcs have beaten King Rhobar’s troops and are ruling the most important parts of Myrtana, enslaving the human population. Only the tricky inhabitants of the south and the wild barbarians of the icy north are holding against the orcish domination.

And there are rebels, lurking around in the shadows of Myrtana’s forests and trying to fight a hit & run guerilla war. It’s your choice if you want to join them or the orcs - but whatever you do, the destiny of Myrtana will depend on you!

• A totally new graphics engine creates the most realistic and fascinating in-game world possible: Myrtana awakens!
  
• Huge living and breathing environment reacting to the actions of the player and creating endless choices of interacting with the world and its population
  
• New fluid action-packed combat system with spectacular fighting styles, including 2-swords-fighting
  
• No linear levels - The Player defines the pace in which he advances through the game. Every action has ramifications for the world at large
  
• Countless side quests to choose from
  
• One of the best AI’s ever provides hundreds of characters with realistic behavior reacting to your words and actions
  
• More than 50 different kinds of monsters and animals, together with countless humanoid friends & foes, contribute to a living world
  
• A totally class-free character development system gives you the chance to create the char of your dreams with the abilities of your choice!