Ubisoft announces ANNO 1404, currently scheduled for a March 2009 release, so the next installment in the strategy/simulation series is a prequel of sorts, continuing an alternating back-and-forth pattern that began with ANNO 1602, followed by ANNO 1503, followed by ANNO 1701. The previous installment in the series was created by Related Designs, who were said to be working on a new ANNO game when Ubisoft acquired the series and a stake in Related (story), hence Ubisoft is now listed as the developer. This series has always been sold in North America as YEAR A.D., rather than ANNO YEAR, but the announcement makes no mention of 1404 A.D., so that convention may be ending. On a related note, a video interview about the game is on GameStar that is conducted in German, but offers English subtitles as well as some gameplay footage. Also, the 1701 A.D. Gold Edition (story) seems to now be available in North America. Here's the announcement:

Leipzig, GERMANY – August XX, 2008 – Today Ubisoft announced that it will develop ANN0 1404™, the highly anticipated sequel in the award-winning building-strategy ANNO brand. Designed for the PC, ANNO 1404™ is scheduled for release worldwide in March 2009.

Set in the Orient, ANNO 1404™ offers a richness of features never before seen, bringing the ANNO™ series to a new level. Exploring a strange and fascinating island world in the utmost East, players will get to know the culture and technology of the ancient Orient while learning the tricks of local trade, diplomacy and economy in order to build their own metropolis.

New customizable elements, dozens of embellishing objects and bigger islands and worlds will provide players with endless opportunities to express their creative vision, making all metropolises look truly unique. A new intuitive interface, as well as a motivating, fully modifiable sandbox mode will make it easy and enjoyable for everyone to play.

ANNO™ is one of the most successful strategy brands with over five million units sold worldwide to date.