Kalypso announces Port Royale 3

Third round of discovery, trading and piracy due Q2 of 2012.
Kalypso Media have announced that the next installment in their Port Royale series will be coming to Windows PC and “next generation consoles” in Q2 of 2012. The game is being developed by Gaming Minds, Kalypso’s own internal development studio.
First screens below.
The game is set the Caribbean circa-17th Century and sees Spain, England, France and the Netherlands battling for control of the seas and various trade routes. You can play as either an adventurer, a trader or a mix of both.
The adventurer arc will feature a lot of “raiding, piracy, bounty hunting, plundering and conquering,” while traders can use their “economic know-how to become the most powerful trading tycoon in the New World.”
Lifted straight from the press release, here’s a feature set:

Three paths to glory and fame – choose the role of adventurer/pirate, merchant or a combination of both
Exciting naval battles, coastal city sieges, raids and plunder await the adventurous player, while untold riches, power and glory await the more mercantile-oriented player
Multiplayer competitive play
A deep economic simulation engine ensures a realistic trading experience
Real-world locations will immerse the player in the 17th century Caribbean

For those travelling to Gamescom, Port Royale 3 will be playable at Kalypso’s booth.