Funcom Extends Length of Conan License

Funcom issued a press release earlier this morning announcing that they have extended their agreement to develop MMORPGs based on the Conan license until 2023.

Funcom and Conan Inc. extends agreement up to 2023

– Exclusive rights for all MMOs in Conans universe extended up to ten years –

Durham, USA – May 29, 2006 – Funcom and Conan Inc. has extended the agreement in which Funcom has the exclusive rights to develop any and all Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games based on the Conan license. The agreement gives Funcom the right to develop MMO games with the Conan brand on PC, present and future gaming consoles, portable devices and mobile systems until 2018. In addition, Funcom now has an option to prolong the agreement with five additional years.

(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.)

Age of Conan is a Showcase Game for Windows Vista, and earned the E3 2006 award as the Best MMO Game of Show from the three world-leading gaming websites IGN, Gamespot and Gamespy. (When you talk about the greatest fantasy writers of the 20th century, theres no disputing the two names at the top of the list: J.R.R. Tolkien and Robert E. Howard,) stated IGN in their text for the E3 award.

More information, screenshots, forums, newsletter sign-up and a welcoming community portal can be found on the official website http://www.ageofconan.com

ABOUT AGE OF CONAN HYBORIAN ADVENTURES – In Conan the players will encounter a dark, lush, brutal and sinful universe, presented in fantastic graphics and stunning 7.1 surround audio. In a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race, the mighty barbarian has finally seized the throne as king of Aquilonia. But Conans rule is on the brink of chaos, spiraling towards the doom of ancient evils. In this twisted fantasy world, dark magic and brutal combat lurks around every corner, and each man and woman must carve their own unique destiny under Conans reign. In the true vision of Robert E. Howards dark universe its now time for you to become a messenger of death.

ABOUT FUNCOM – Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of online games for PC, consoles and mobile platforms. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of more than twenty released games. Recent successes include The Longest Journey, Anarchy Online and Dreamfall: The Longest Journey. For corporate information please visit http://www.funcom.com. For information about Funcom games visit http://www.anarchy-online.com , http://www.dreamfall.com or http://www.ageofconan.com . Funcom is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FUNCOM.

ABOUT CONAN PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL – Conan Properties International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Paradox Entertainment Inc., controls all rights to Conan, associated characters and the Hyborian world, as created by Robert E. Howard and expanded upon by acclaimed authors and artists for decades. Conan is considered to be the worlds best-known fantasy character. For more information about Conan Properties International, visit http://www.conan.com. For information about Paradox Entertainment Inc., visit http://www.paradox-entertainment.com .