Anno 1503 / A.D.1503 multiplayer...

[Quboid]

As you can see by my (rather pixelly) avatar, I'm in love with Anno 1503, or A.D. 1503 as it's called in the U.S. However, the lack of multiplayer (obviously a last minute removal) is a big shame, but I've heard they will release it as a free patch ... sometime.

Has anyone heard anything about a release? I've heard "after Easter" mentioned, but what that means is anyone's guess. Soon after Easter? Long after Easter? Was that even true at all?

On the offical forums, this feature list is given:

• Multiplayer in 1503 A.D./ANNO 1503 can be played by 2-8 players in cooperative mode or against each other. It can be played as Continous play or in special multiplayer scenarios.
  
• The AI can be included into multiplayer sessions: Dependent on the chosen game scenario, AI controlled characters will occupy all free slots not used by human players.
  
• Multiplayer can be played via internet or local area network. Internet games use the GameSpy matchmaking software; manual connection to a certain IP address is also possible.
  
• You will be able to save and load your game in multiplayer. Saved multiplayer games will continue to be playable even if one of the human players drops out during the next session, although this player won?t be able to reconnect and continue his play once the game has been loaded without him or her being connected.
  
• Multiplayer will be released as a free patch.
  
• Different localized versions of the game are compatible in multiplayer mode. Therefore, players from different countries can connect to the same MP session.
  
• Presently the multiplayer is still in the process of testing and finalizing ? a precise release date for the patch can not be provided yet. The total number of scenarios included in the multiplayer patch has also not been finalized.
  
• If your are playing the US or international version of 1503 A.D./ANNO 1503, you do not need to download the patch V1.04.02 which is available on our german website, since all the changes incorporated in this patch are already featured in the retail version you purchased.