A batch of new RAGE screenshots shows off id Software's upcoming first-person shooter. On a related note, VG247 interviews id's Tim Willits about the project. Tim confirms the game "probably" will not have dedicated servers, says he is uncertain about their E3 plans, discusses engine licensing, and more. He also makes the revelation that the game will not be released this year, meaning RAGE is still on track for its "when it's done" release date, but in a moment of candor unusual for id release dates, he says the game will be released next year. His explanation of where the project stands follows.

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Because we haven’t even hit alpha on this thing yet. But we’re working very hard and we’re getting close to that. But it’s important that we get this right. There’s nothing worse than pushing something out before it’s ready. And the great thing about Bethesda and Zenimax is [that] the executive management has the faith in us to give us the resource that we need to do the right game. Because, trust me, it would be horrible if we were to release it and it was bad. So, we’re going to get the resources that we need and we’re going to get the polish that we need.

As you saw, it’s running well on the 360. There are some graphical things that John’s working through, that he’ll get fixed. But the engine’s pretty solid.