A new State of the Game letter for Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited has revealed some interesting information on the future of DDO. With regards to the near future, Update 4, which contains a new adventure pack called "Sentinels" is now available for preview on the Lamannia test server.

But how about the rest of 2010? Turbine has some plans that are sure to excite DDO fans, namely the introduction of guild housing and a new playable race: the Half Orc!

Below is a short excerpt from the State of the Game letter:

In addition to new content and items we are also working on some exciting new features for DDO. The team is currently busy working on some great additions to the guild system that will let guild members work together to earn valuable rewards and rival guilds compete for status on each server. One of the biggest rewards players will work towards is access to an all new guild housing system, which we are implementing in a cool and unique way. Suffice it to say, we think you will really want to be part of a guild that has earned access to this feature! I can’t say much more about it now, but look for more details in the coming weeks.

Many of you asked for status on new races and classes and I am pleased to be able to share a major announcement today. We are actively working on adding another race to DDO: The Half-Orc! Development is moving along well and as of today it looks very likely you will see a large influx of Half-Orcs into the world of Eberron towards the end of this year. At long last you will be able to play that appearance-challenged but awesomely strong character that you have longed to be. Plus 2 bonus to strength? Yes, Please! Now I know what I’m going to True Reincarnate into in my next life for my main.

Read the full letter here.

[Thanks Christopher8 for the tip!]