Welcoming back the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and The Brotherhood of Nod, EA today confirmed the development of Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars. Taking the series back to its roots and marking a return to the fast, fluid gameplay that put the RTS genre on the map, C&C3 promises a gripping plot that will redefine storytelling in the genre.

Set in the year 2047, Tiberium has continued to infect the Earth, spreading like a radioactive ice age. In an attempt to contain the threat of the alien power source the GDI is doing everything it can, however Kane has different ideas and other plans for the planet. Bent on destruction and to use Tiberium to take control and transform humanity into his twisted vision of the future, all-out war wages between the two factions as the fate of the planet swings in the balance.

C&C3 promises such features as customizing your army by combining units, whilst players can battle it out online with voice-over IP technology, integrated clans support and a new spectator mode.

"Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars combines fast-paced gameplay with new ways to tell a story in an RTS game," said Mike Verdu, Executive Producer at EA Los Angeles (EALA). "We're building a next generation Command & Conquer game that is true to the spirit of this classic franchise, but is updated with state-of-the-art visuals, added strategic depth, and gameplay innovations that will move the genre forward. I am very excited to be working on this amazing game."

"We have been waiting to reveal this game for quite some time and are thrilled to bring the series back to where it all began," said Louis Castle, VP of Creative Development at EA Los Angeles (EALA) and co-founder of Westwood Studios, creator of the Command & Conquer series. "The Tiberium universe is a personal favourite of mine, and this saga's new direction will prove to be a worthy addition to one of the most celebrated RTS franchises."

So it seems we'll have to wait until E3 before discovering whether EA can truly put the series back on track and make a true return to its glory days, at this stage it seems as though EA have a lot of work on their shoulders to meet the high demands and expectations that follows the series, whilst the current lack of specific information won't exactly help to allay any fears.

Hopefully we'll have more concrete information on the title soon.