PlanetDeusEx has updated their news page with a letter from Warren Spector, where the designer comments on the controversial revelation that Thief 3 and Deus Ex 2 will appear first on Microsoft's Xbox console (story). Despite the many statements that have been made to the contrary, Warren says the two games will not be appearing first on consoles, and he reassures fans that ION Storm Austin is working hard to please fans of both games. Here's what he has to say:

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly rumors spread in this business and how willing people are to accept rumor as fact.

Right now, there are rumors circulating on the net that Deus Ex 2 and Thief 3 will ship on console first, with PC "ports" coming later. That is simply not true. Let me assure you that we have no plans to release a console version of DX2 or T3 before a PC version or to compromise one version to accomodate the needs of any other version we might develop.

Both DX2 and T3 are a ways off -- making immersive simulations takes time! -- and official announcements regarding these projects will be made in the future. Until then, let me just say that the members of the DX2 and T3 teams, many of whom helped create the original Thief and Deus Ex, are determined to meet and surpass your justifiably high expectations.

Everyone in this studio is as committed to making games like Underworld, System Shock, Thief and Deus Ex as you are committed to playing them. The vehemence with which you've expressed your concern is ample evidence that you love these games as much as we do. All I ask is that you trust us now as you always have in the past. You won't be disappointed...