The Command & Conquer 4 Interview on GameSpot talks with Samuel Bass about the upcoming RTS sequel being described as the conclusion of the Tiberium saga, though Samuel adds: "it is safe to say that the conclusion of the Tiberium saga is not the end of the Tiberium Universe as a whole." Topics include the class-based system, RPG elements, persistency, co-op support, and the fact that Joe Kucan will once again reprise his role as Kane. Here's a bit on those persistent elements:

Essentially, whenever you play Command & Conquer 4, be it in single-player, co-op, skirmish, or online, you earn experience that collects in your persistent player profile. Within the profile, you use your experience pool to level up your classes, earning new units, structures, powers, and upgrades. Since your profile is persistent across the game, you can then take your new toys and put them to use in any of our game modes.

Beyond the obvious compulsions this adds to the game, the player progression system lets us tackle one of the biggest issues we've encountered as RTS developers. To put it simply, when--as an RTS newbie--you install the game, enter your first match, and find yourself faced with 13 units, 10 structures, and an ungodly number of additional powers and upgrades.