Funcom Announce Conan Extension News

Funcom's forthcoming adaptation of Robert E. Howards dark literary works, Conan, has been receiving accolades aplenty and has already become one of the most anticipated online titles for 2007.

So it comes as little surprise that Funcom would want to ensure their exclusivity, announcing an extension to its exclusive agreement with Conan Inc. until 2023. Granted the exclusive rights to develop any Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games based around the license for PC, present and future gaming consoles, portable devices and mobile systems until 2018, with the option of a further five years, it should mean we all have a lot of Conan to be going on with if Funcom's first title achieves the success it's early coverage suggests.

"It's great to see the evolution of Age of Conan, and we truly believe we will deliver a special and fun online experience," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. "At the same time we look ahead, and we feel confident that Conan is a brand which will stand strong for many decades. With the investments involved in today's online games and the very long life spans of MMOs, it is important to have long term license agreements, and together with Conan Inc. we will continue our focus on investing in the Conan brand."

"We have a great passion for the qualities and works of Robert E. Howard, and we share this with Funcom," said Fredrik Malmberg, Head of Licensing at Conan Inc. "We have worked very close with Funcom for more than three years now, and we have great belief in their ability to deliver. Virtual worlds become ever more important, and we feel certain Age of Conan stands a great chance of gaining a large share of the MMO market."

TVG recently had the chance to chat with the team responsible for Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures; for an extensive look at what they have in store, please check out our previous coverage.