There's a Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Q&A on Ten Ton Hammer, asking Michelle Butler about her role as community manager and SOE's support for the game.

There's an article format interview about Sony Online Entertainment taking over Vanguard: Saga of Heroes on WarCry, chatting with SOE's Courtney Simmons about this development we reported on yesterday.

Update 2: Sony Online Entertainment has now officially confirmed the acquisition statement made by SOE president John Smedley (pictured left). "With an unparalleled team and exceptional product, Sigil has been a creative force in the online games space," said Smedley in the announcement. "We look forward to continuing the vision for Vanguard and to continue to deliver some groundbreaking game play."

Update: Posting by his online handle "Smed," Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley has stated that the assets of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and its developer Sigil Games Online have been acquired by SOE. Sigil's offices will apparently remain in Carlsbad, California, and will be managed by Sigil's Dave Gilbertson. Sigil co-founder Brad McQuaid will be ... Read more

Brad McQuaid, CEO of Vanguard developer Sigil Games, made a lengthy forum post this weekend, appearing to confirm recent rumors that publisher Sony Online Entertainment is looking into various actions regarding the future of Sigil and its recently released MMO, including a potential acquisition of Sigil by SOE. "SOE is in discussions with Sigil regarding the future of Vanguard and Sigil Games in Carlsbad," wrote McQuaid (pictured left), relaying SOE's official position. "What does that mean? It means that right now Vanguard is doing decently but not as well as we hoped," he added. Potential courses of action theorized by McQuaid include acquisition, changes in management, or workforce adjustments at Sigil.

Shacknews confirmed with Sony Online Entertainment that discussions ... Read more

GameSpot has the latest Vanguard: Saga of Heroes preview, going hands-on with the game one more time before its launch next week.

We just received a press release, announcing that early access to Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will begin this Friday around noon CST. People with pre-orders are the ones who can start playing early (the game officially launches the 30th). SOE and Sigil also announced that the game carries a $14.99 monthly subscription fee, and people who already have a Station Access subscription can play the game using that.

Over at Ten Ton Hammer you can find the latest Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Q&A. Nick Parkinson of Sigil Games is asked about the game's impending release. It is interesting to note there is no info on the game's subscription price even with the game launching soon.

Over at Vanguard WarCry you can find the latest Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Q&A. Community manager Nick Parkinson is asked about game changes due to the beta, tweaking the game before launch, the game's diplomacy system, crafting, combat and more.

According to a press release sent out by Sony Online Entertainment today, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will be hitting stores at the end of the month. Both North America and Europe will get the game January 30, with an MSRP of $49.99.

EuroGamer is the latest site with a Vanguard: Saga of Heroes preview, offering their own thoughts on the beta version of this upcoming MMORPG.

For more Vanguard: Saga of Heroes impressions, head over to GameZone where they have the latest preview of the game.

GamersInfo.net has the latest Vanguard: Saga of Heroes preview, going hands-on with the game's current beta version.

New at IGN is this Vanguard: Saga of Heroes preview, going hands-on with the game's beta 5. New screenshots are included.

Another Vanguard: Saga of Heroes movie is now available, offering about a minute of ingame sequences. Thanks 3D Gamers.

Sony Online Entertainment sends along five new Vanguard: Saga of Heroes screenshots, showing a few different locations you'll find in the Sigil Games MMORPG. Vanguard is currently in closed beta, and will be released during the first quarter of 2007.

Over at FiringSquad you can find a Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Q&A this morning. Sigil's Nick Parkinson talks about the split from Microsoft and teaming up with Sony Online Entertainment, the lengthy development period, solo play options, mounts, the overarching storyline, use of the Unreal Engine and beta testing.

Sony Online Entertainment sent along this note, announcing that Vanguard: Saga of Heroes pre-order boxes should be showing up at retailers including GameStop, Best Buy and Fry's. Those who preorder the Sigil Games MMORPG will receive early access (3 days) to the game, a key for an exclusive in-game scroll, an invitation to the beta, and access to the Guild Mail system.

A new Vanguard: Saga of Heroes movie is now available from FileShack. The WMV format video shows combat footage from the Sigil Games MMORPG.

Over at GameSpot you can find a new Vanguard: Saga of Heroes profile preview. This one offers a look at the Druid, Monk, Necromancer, Paladin, Psionicist, Ranger, Rogue, Shaman, Sorcerer, and Warrior classes.

Over at Voodoo Extreme you can find the latest Vanguard: Saga of Heroes preview, offering impressions based on a recent demonstration of the game by Sigil Games.