Originally Posted by Brother None 
It looks more like they're developing Risen down another path, with the whole pirates and guns things, so that it is more distinct from Gothic as a franchise.
Agreed.
Originally Posted by rune_74
These guys were also responsible for gothic 3 so I'm not sure what to think we will get for a part 4.
Why? PB is clear they made mistakes (see numerous interviews) and you can see their reaction with Risen: a very conservative design. Why would you think G3 would have any bearing when they have been clear about their mistakes and there is a game since then showing opposite design intent?
Personally, I enjoyed G3. I think it deserves acknowledgement for what they
tried to do, even if they didn't quite get it right.