Although I think marketing will play a bigger role, you do have a point. They'll have to time the release date when 6ghz CPUs are out.

I'm pretty sure Rebellion is not going to come out in the fall. Historically Sins and its expansions have come out in the later winter, so I would fully expect February/March 2012.

I vote December 26th.

sins 1.5

more than one of the mini expansions... with updates and stuff, but same engine.

Or bring back those who vanished from the community since Vanilla was released.

Septober 14th.

I have a funny feeling that we're not going to be seeing it in stores.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing yet, but the trend is definitely in the direction of digital download distribution.

They released Trinity in stores and I will be a very pissed person if they don't release it in stores. I like having the game physically in my hands to so I can install and uninstall as I see fit.

The thing about having hard copies on store shelves is that it's always possible that people who have never heard of the game before might see it and be intrigued.  It's being visible for sale is a form of advertising, and it raises the game's profile.  The cover should say "Game of the Year winner" conspicuously to increase people's curiosity.

"The long-anticipated sequel to the 2008 Game of the Year Award winner."

I emailed IC and they said it's set for next year.

Beta is most likely next year as well since it's going to be a very short beta.

Release is likely next year or late this year. Beta is unknown.