In what might be described as an eventful year, Bohemia Interactive has decided to postpone the release of Arma 3. The additional development time enables the project to reach its full potential, with the studio expecting to finalize their release plans in the new year.

Recently, Joris-Jan van ‘t Land, a 10-year veteran of Bohemia Interactive, took over the role of Arma 3 Project Lead from Daniel Musil, who left the studio to pursue other opportunities.

Joris-Jan van ‘t Land: "We’ve been in the process of implementing changes that will help us innovate as a studio under unexpected circumstances - facing problems we simply couldn't have imagined”, referring to the detainment of two Bohemia Interactive employees in Greece. Both were arrested on suspicion of espionage while spending their holiday on Lemnos - an island that served as inspiration for the environment in Arma 3. They have since remained in jail pending legal proceedings. "We're still trying to make sense of the situation and hope that our colleagues will be released soon. Although their plight has certainly affected us on a personal level, we continue working on the tasks identified as key to the release of Arma 3."

The new release window of Arma 3 has been set for 2013. Joris-Jan van 't Land: "I hope this update provides some answers regarding the status of the project. We’re currently sorting the specifics so we can deliver a more complete announcement at the beginning of next year."

The studio is also working on a standalone version of DayZ, which is developed by a team led by Dean Hall.

Today, we have a very interesting rumor coming from YouTuber, TheAustrianToast, regarding DICE’s plans for future Battlefield 3 DLC.

In a dual commentary with DCRUColin, TheAustrianToast revealed, ”I have a source telling me that there will be an all American DLC.” He added that these maps would be based on locations like “New York City, Miami, New Jearsey, and I think it was San Francisco.”

Before Battlefield fans get a little too excited, since his sources were never revealed, we have to consider this a fairly wild but rather likely rumor. Rather likely, because if we take a look at the recent Back to Karkand maps, they are already based on various cities in the Middle East. This also seems to be the overall theme with Battlefield 3 – environments within city limits, as opposed to Battlefield: Bad Comany 2′s more open environments. It would make sense for DICE to stick with what the Frostbite 2 engine seems to do really well.

TheAustrianToast later stated in this commentary, ”I mean, the all American DLC pack is a great idea and should actually come out middle, or in the beginning of summer.

Lastly, a while back, DICE mentioned that they weren’t into making “map packs,” but rather “expansions.” This would most likely mean that we would also see a new set of weapons, vehicles, and assignments much like the recent Back to Karkand expansion. On top of Battlefield 2143 rumors, DICE also considered the idea of a snow-themed expansion, something many Battlefield 3 fans have been craving since Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

Make sure to follow MP1st on Twitter and Facebook for more Battlefield 3 news!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Does this rumor seem likely to you? Would you love to drive a tank down the streets of New York City in an all American themed DLC?