A few days back, EA posted the above image to Twitter on their Dead Space account. Rumors were that it was a preface to an announcement, and it appears those rumors were correct.  Today, the publisher has announced that Dead Space 2 is in the works with Visceral Games at the helm, and has spilled the first details on the follow-up to one of the best received original IPs of 2008.

Not much is divulged in the short press release. The only real story hint is a very mysterious line, stating that "Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind in Dead Space 2 - this time, he calls the shots." What that means, exactly, I have no idea, but it sounds like his stories of necromorphs might not have gone ignored after he escaped the Ishimura at the end of the first game. There's no release date given, though October 2010 is expected, and we'll be sure to bring you any information revealed about this incredibly exciting sequel.

The press release is below.

EA Brings the Terror to Space in Dead Space 2 Sequel to Award-Winning Horror Game Delivers Intense, Personal Saga That Sends Chills Through Deep Space

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec 07, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Visceral Games, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) studio announced today that the award-winning Dead Space(TM) franchise will continue to frighten gamers with its stunning sequel, Dead Space 2. Hero Isaac Clarke returns for another heart-pounding adventure, taking the fight to the Necromorphs in this thrilling action-horror experience. New tools to gruesomely slice and dismember the Necromorphs complement Isaac's signature Plasma Cutter, empowering him as he meets new characters, explores epic Zero-G environments, and fights against a relentless necromorph onslaught. Survival isn't the only thing on Isaac's mind in Dead Space 2 - this time, he calls the shots.

"Like so many gamers worldwide, we love the Dead Space franchise and are very excited to announce a new game in the series," said Nick Earl, Senior VP and Group General Manager at EA. "Visceral Games is quickly becoming known for delivering high-quality, action-packed games. Dead Space 2 is on target to deliver a jaw-dropping experience gamers won't soon forget."

"We're thrilled to jump back into the series, making the next chapter in Isaac's journey. The infection continues to spread throughout space and our hero Isaac Clarke is the only person able to contain it. There are still loads of necromorphs that need killing!" said Steve Papoutsis, Executive Producerof Dead Space 2. "In Dead Space 2, not everything is exactly as it seems. Expect plot twists that will surprise you and a huge cast of twisted, disgusting monsters that are sure to scare the daylights out of you."

Originally launched in 2008, Dead Space quickly became one of EA's top rated wholly-owned intellectual properties. With close to 100 industry awards and an average critic score of 89*, Dead Space became a hit with horror and videogame fans worldwide. In 2009, EA launched Dead Space Extraction, a prequel to the original Dead Space that expanded the fiction and brought the franchise to a new audience base.

Dead Space 2 is being developed for the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system and on PC. This product has not yet been rated by ESRB or PEGI. Follow us on twitter at: www.twitter.com/isaacclarke. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deadspace. For additional information and news, visit www.deadspacegame.com.

* According to Gamerankings.com and Metacritic.com