The worst kept secret in table-top gaming was let out of the bag today at the annual gaming convention Gen Con. Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition is on the way.

The 3rd edition of the game saw release in 2000 is largely seen as the force that reinvigorated the 30 year old franchise. The new version's designers are looking to build on the momentum they have created to provide players with a more streamlined play-friendly experience. I am certain they are also hoping to lure some prodigals back from their computers and the World of Warcraft.

Once again the game will launch with three core rulebooks. The Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide and the Monster Manual, due May, June and July 2008 respectively.

The Wizards of the Coast website was down at the time of this writing, likely due to the heavy traffic this announcement generated. I found a fairly detailed rundown on the changes here: