Rome 2 has been the highest in all fan polls, CA organised or otherwise, since the pre-release days of Empire. Another option CA has put forward in the polls especially after making Empire (hence introduce artillery) is WWI. This wasn't very well received in terms of popularity although it has supperters.
CA is bound to do a Rome 2 for certain due to the huge demand and the huge market of history buffs and enthusiasts for the period and it would probably take a new engine to "do justice to it" etc. Making S2 wigth an existing engine makes sense although it was a bit of a surprise - but i guess its also part of good strategic marketing not to be too predictable and maintain an element of surprise. S2 was always 3rd or thereabouts in terms of popularity in polls and it has history with CA so makes sense for a change of pace after the gigantism of empire in terms of concept.
My money is on Rome 2 for next.
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