Aliens: Colonial Marines Due Q1 2009, Says Sega

Gearbox Software's squad-based Aliens shooter will be released within the next three months according to a release schedule from publisher Sega's European branch.

The schedule lists a "Q1 2009" release for Aliens: Colonial Marines, which was originally expected in late 2008. Sega was unable to tell VideoGamer if that was calendar Q1 (January 1-March 31) or fiscal Q1 (April 1-June 30), April will see Sega begin its 2010 fiscal year, suggesting that the date applies to the calendar year.

Rumors that the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 game was cancelled emerged amidst layoffs, but Gearbox president Randy Pitchford quickly clarified that it wasn't "canned."

While Sega often prefaces a major release with a number of screenshots and trailers, the publisher's been curiously quiet regarding the title, prompting some to speculate that the game could be further out, though a handful of previews recently emerged.

Shacknews has contacted Sega and Gearbox for more information.