It has been brewing for a bit now, rumors of a new race for Warhammer Fantasy or Warhammer 40k. Word has it that development has just started, so we are looking at least a 3 year process. With that in mind, I image the release will be timed with a new rule set for whatever system GW has in mind.
The major news with this rumor, is the army will be non human, I believe we are looking at a brand new race not based on previous fluff. Still as is customary, forums across the webaverse are making wishes for old armies to be brought back from the dead. This happening I highly doubt, we have an emphasis on new, not redone or expanded. If a non human race were redone that leaves very few options, none of which GW has given any inclination for reexamining e.g. Squats or Chaos Dwarves. What is GW logic for a non Human race; Space Marines are the best sellers, where Tau, Necron, and Dark Eldar are some of the worst sellers. Unless the plan is to package them with Marines at launch like Black Reach.
What upsets me about this rumor if true, is GW devoting resources once again, away from their current armies and into something completely new. With these hard economic times they should be doubling down on their existing universe and not trying to expand it. Focus on bringing cost down. Update old codices with new plastic models. It is easy to look long term when things are going good, not so much when they are going bad. If I was GW I would also consider the hell that will break loose, if say an army like Eldar or Chaos Space Marines is not updated by the time this new army comes out. Think also if we still are using Black Codices. Combine that with the current power creep GW seems hell bent on, we could encounter one really tricked out army. GW might be looking at losing more players then gaining new ones.
Still GW has time on their side, if they can have everything updated in time for this new army, then they might just make people want something new and shinny.
I am not holding my breath…