Ubisoft Maps Out The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom is the announcement that a seventh installment in The Settlers series of strategy/management games is under development in the Ubisoft Blue Byte studio for release next spring. The Settlers Website has a teaser trailer combining live action and gameplay, here are some screenshots, and here is a bit of the announcement:

SAN FRANCISCO – September 22, 2009 – Today Ubisoft announced the development of The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom, the next iteration in the popular multi-million selling strategy game franchise for PC. Scheduled for release in spring 2010, The Settlers 7: Paths to a KingdomTM gives gamers the opportunity to choose the best way to lead their kingdom to victory, in a rich environment set in middle-Europe during the early Renaissance.

"The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom brings The Settlers franchise to the next level of the strategy-sim genre, employing the core mechanisms that made the series a success while continuing to innovate in new areas that will give gamers the ability to craft their own unique, thrilling experience,” said Adam Novickas, director of marketing for Ubisoft.

Developed by the Ubisoft Blue Byte studio located in Düsseldorf, Germany, The Settlers 7: Paths to a KingdomTM brings a fresh, innovative design to the franchise, while reintroducing the strong game mechanics and deep gameplay that are hallmarks of the highly acclaimed Settlers series. Players will easily become engaged in an exciting campaign, skirmish maps or multi-player challenges in a world of lush forests, open meadows, fast flowing rivers, and high mountains.