Giant Bomb Video Game News

After weeks of teasers and leaked magazine scans, EA has officially confirmed development of Dead Space 2 today, again proving that the video game business can't keep a secret to save its life. In development at Visceral Games, presumably by the same team responsible for the original, Dead Space 2 will again put you in the magnetic boots of space-miner Isaac Clarke as he faces off with the still extremely gross Necromorph threat.

In addition to revealing that both Clarke and the Necromorphs survived the end of Dead Space, the press release suggests that you'll get more of what was great about it in Dead Space 2--cutting up gnarly monsters with brutal, futuristic weapons, zero-G sequences, jump scares, and crazy plot twists--in a new environment that is simultaneously more expansive and more cramped.

It also offers a little tease for something new with the line that "Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind in Dead Space 2 – this time, he calls the shots." Pardon my naked speculation here, but my gut reaction is that this could have something to do with the addition of a multiplayer mode, though I also fear that it could mean some kind of squad-based or real-time-strategy-style gameplay will be introduced to the main story. Or maybe it just means that Isaac Clarke will be more of a bad-ass. As if that's possible!

Dead Space 2 is being developed for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. No release date is being given for Dead Space 2, though the smart money is on a holiday 2010 release. For those who enjoy the flagrantly manufactured language of a high-grade press release, here's the announcement in its entirety.
 
UPDATE: When asked about Dead Space 2, an anonymous, inside source told us, and I quote:

Dead Space 2 is gonna tear your face off. This time Isaac is on the offensive.

Make of that what you will. And now, the previously promised press release!

EA BRINGS THE TERROR TO SPACE IN DEAD SPACE 2
 
Sequel to Award-Winning Horror Game Delivers Intense, Personal Saga that Sends
Chills through Deep Space
 
Redwood City, CA – December 7, 2009 – Visceral Games, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio announced today that the award-winning Dead Space™ franchise will continue to frighten gamers with its stunning sequel, Dead Space 2. Hero Isaac Clarke returns for another heart-pounding adventure, taking the fight to the Necromorphs in this thrilling action-horror experience. New tools to gruesomely slice and dismember the Necromorphs complement Isaac's signature Plasma Cutter, empowering him as he meets new characters, explores epic Zero-G environments, and fights against a relentless necromorph onslaught.  Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind inDead Space 2 – this time, he calls the shots.
 
“Like so many gamers worldwide, we love the Dead Space franchise and are very excited to announce a new game in the series,” said Nick Earl, Senior VP and Group General Manager at EA. “Visceral Games is quickly becoming known for delivering high-quality, action-packed games. Dead Space 2 is on target to deliver a jaw-dropping experience gamers won’t soon forget.”
 
“We’re thrilled to jump back into the series, making the next chapter in Isaac’s journey. The infection continues to spread throughout space and our hero Isaac Clarke is the only person able to contain it. There are still loads of necromorphs that need killing!” said Steve Papoutsis, Executive Producer of Dead Space 2. “In Dead Space 2, not everything is exactly as it seems. Expect plot twists that will surprise you and a huge cast of twisted, disgusting monsters that are sure to scare the daylights out of you.”
 
Originally launched in 2008, Dead Space quickly became one of EA’s top rated wholly-owned intellectual properties. With close to 100 industry awards and an average critic score of 89*, Dead Space became a hit with horror and videogame fans worldwide. In 2009, EA launched Dead Space Extraction, a prequel to the original Dead Space that expanded the fiction and brought the franchise to a new audience base.
 
Dead Space 2 is being developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and on PC. This product has not yet rated by ESRB or PEGI. Follow us on twitter at:www.twitter.com/isaacclarke.  Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deadspace.  For additional information and news, visit www.deadspacegame.com.