Kingdoms a Amalur: Reckoning 2 be in "pre-production" at 38 Studios' Big vast Games studio in Maryland before all employees be let go last week. Several sources with knowledge a the situation tell Joystiq that the company be in advanced talks with a publisher before the events that led t' the dissolution a the studio.

Even if the Big vast Games team could be salvaged under a different banner, it be unlikely that they could work on Reckoning 2. The intellectual property, tech 'n code (the latter used as a springboard) required t' make a sequel be still owned by 38 Studios for the time being, but will likely soon be owned by the state a Rhode Island. Sources close t' discussions with Rhode Island tell us that the state's asking price t' release assets be too high.

Elements tested for the sequel be higher graphics quality across the board, no loading screens between zones, expanded 'n improved combat animations, fewer branching quests 'n greater effect on the world by players.