Relic "definitely looking" at Homeworld 3

For fans of Homeworld it looks like the rumours could be true - Relic Entertainment has dropped a huge hint that it's working on a third instalment in the space-based RTS series.

During a recent visit to the Canadian studio's offices in Vancouver, which you can see right now on Eurogamer TV, we quizzed senior team members on the existence of Homeworld 3.

Speculation that THQ-owned Relic was working on a new version emerged last year with the news that the US publisher had acquired the franchise rights from Vivendi.

"We're really happy the IP has made its way home, and yeah, we're definitely looking at it. We'll see what happens in the future," Dawn of War II lead designer Jonny Ebbert told us.

Asked whether it was one of the studio's current projects, Ebbert said: "There's always that chance." And are they excited about showing it to the world? "Yes, very, very!" he chuckled.

We also tried it on with Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor designer Chris Degnan, asking him how Homeworld 3 was looking. He replied: "As it always has - behind closed doors. Blacked off. Homeworld 3, obviously, I'm not at liberty to tell you anything about. So, good try!"

Three announced games are in development at Relic: Dawn of War II, Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor and Company of Heroes Online, being co-developed with Shanda for the Asian market.

General manager Tarrnie Williams admitted there were "three or four" titles in the works at Relic. "It depends how you count; whether you use the old math or the new math." He declined to explain the difference.

Relic's original Homeworld released on PC in 1999, with a sequel following in 2003.

Ebbert added: "Homeworld's always been dear to our heart; it's what put us on the map, it was our first product, and I think it will always have a special place in our hearts."

You can see more of our hunt for Homeworld in the latest episode of The Eurogamer TV Show.