Back in October 2010, Hi-Rez Studios announced that it was the proud new owner of the Tribes franchise and revealed that it is developing Tribes Universe, a persistent world MMOFPS that can handle large-scale combat. 

Well, the good news keeps coming for Tribes fans. Today at PAX East, Hi-Rez unveiled an announcement trailer for Tribes: Ascend, a multiplayer shooter that will launch in late 2011 and pave the way for Tribes Universe.

Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris confirmed that the company is still committed to developing the Tribes MMO, but feels this move is the best way to reintroduce the sci-fi franchise to the world:

"Before Halo, before Modern Warfare, and before Battlefield, there was Tribes. Tribes fans appreciate the game's essence - athletic FPS combat combined with teamwork and strategy.  As we began development of Tribes Universe, we focused first on capturing that essence - refining and modernizing iconic elements like jetpacks, skiing, and vehicles. We’ve had tremendous fun play-testing and realized the potential of a multiplayer focused title ahead of Tribes Universe. The community has been waiting for a multi-player shooter that is the modern successor to T2. Tribes: Ascend is that game.”

Tribes: Ascend will be available as a single purchase digital download on PC and Xbox 360. Additional consoles are currently under consideration. Check out the teaser trailer after the jump!