Ten years ago, a then little known game developer named PopCap released its first game, a gem-matching puzzle title called Bejeweled. Since then, over half a billion people have purchased the game over 50 million times and have wasted spent over 7.5 billion hours playing it. In fact, according to PopCap's own calculations, the game is continuing to sell at a rate of one copy every 4.3 seconds. Sales figures like that can only mean one thing: sequels. PopCap has already been churning out follow-ups, including Bejeweled 2, Bejeweled Twist, and Bejeweled Blitz. Today they've let us know that coming soon will be Bejeweled 3, the first true sequel to the franchise in over six years.

Promising "a wealth of new content and triple the fun of previous installments", Bejeweled 3 will include these game modes:

• Classic: Play the most popular puzzle game of the century, with powerful new gems and new ultra-smooth gameplay
• Quest: Journey through 40 magical puzzles in this multifaceted Bejeweled challenge!
• Zen: Personalize your experience with ambient sounds and binaural beats — a revolutionary new way to relax!
• Lightning: Charge up with a heart-pounding, beat-the-clock bout of gem-blasting fun!
• Secret Games: Unlock 4 all-new games including Butterflies and Ice Storm
• Badges: Earn up to 65 badges to prove your skills
• High-definition graphics and high-fidelity audio: Bejeweled is now more dazzling than ever before!
• Ultra-smooth gameplay: Make multiple matches while new gems fall into place

The new game will release worldwide on Tuesday December 7th, but no price point has been given yet. but with the average Bejeweled game costing somewhere in the range of a dollar or two, don't expect to break the bank. For my own purposes, I may have had all the fun I'll get playing a Bejeweled title for now, and I don't really feel the need to spend more money to match more jewels. But there is a large segment of people out there who can't get enough, so for them, this is welcome news.