BREAKING NEWS: Electronic Arts 'Taps Privateer

Several days ago we reported on the news that Electronic Arts would be releasing Ultima I-VI through the Gametap online service. At the time speculation was that they might release Wing Commander titles in the future... well, the future is here! Fatcat reports that his copy of Command and Conquer: The First Decade include a flyer advertising the service... which confirms that Privateer will soon be available!

This is amazing: Privateer -- no, Wing Commander Privateer -- listed right alongside the earliest iterations of Electronic Arts' premiere modern franchises (Ultima, Command and Conquer and The Sims). This is a very positive indication that Electronic Arts sees a future for the franchise... and even more than that, fans need suffer through confusing DOS emulators and poorly conceived remakes no longer: Privateer will be available! Things are looking up!

A Privateer screenshot also appears at the GameTap website here.

Spacetime Studios Teams Up With Garriott Brothers

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2006—NCsoft® Corporation (KSE:036570.KS), the world’s leading developer and publisher of online computer games, announced today its latest partnership with a new company in Austin. Spacetime Studios™, composed of a core team with previous leadership roles on successful franchises such as Privateer, Wing Commander and Star Wars Galaxies, will publish its next game under the NCsoft brand.

Allston Aboard

Origin veteran Aaron Allston will be once again appearing at Dragon*Con in 2006! Another chance for Wing Commander fans to get their Claw Marks and Secret Missions disks signed! The official guest list hasn't been updated yet, but Allston's website includes a tour schedule for the rest of the year:

AggieCon 37 (March 23-26, 2006; College Station, TX)
San Diego Comic-Con International (July 20-23, 2006; San Diego, CA)
Dragon*Con (September 1-4, 2006; Atlanta, GA)
World Fantasy Convention (November 2-5, 2006; Austin, TX)