EA confirms that the release of the co-op action game has been pushed into the first quarter of next year...

Originally planned for launch next month, Electronic Arts has today confirmed that Army of Two will deploy during the first quarter of 2008 - a period already congested with triple-A titles such as Mercenaries 2: World in Flames and GTA IV.

Speaking to Ziff Davis' 1UP, Army of Two Executive Producer Alan Tascan revealed that extra time was needed to further polish the game, and that the decision had full backing from EA CEO John Riccitiello:

"...the reason is based on the feedback we've had internally and externally. We just want to add extra polish to the game -- I think everyone would want that... I think it really speaks to Frank [Gibeau] and John's message about quality, that we can release a game when it's ready."

Its unclear how much Army of Two's delay as a new brand will affect EA's quarterly results, which end on December 31st - though with the stalwarts of FIFA 08 and Need for Speed remaining on course between now and Christmas, the publisher will continue to have its usual presence in the Holiday season.