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Funcom’s MMO Age of Conan is to re-launch this summer as Age of Conan: Unrated. The game will use a hybrid business model, allowing anyone to play at no cost, but with premium subscribers being able to access extra content.
“With over 1.4 million copies sold, glowing reviews for both the core game as well as the expansion, and a healthy player base ever since launch in 2008, there is no doubt that ‘Age of Conan’ has been a true success story for Funcom,” said SVP of Sales & Marketing Morten Larssen. “Now we turn to another chapter in this story as we thrust Age of Conan: Unrated into the world of free-to-play games, a gaming space that is becoming rapidly more popular and profitable across the board.”
Funcom is also introducing an in-game store where players can purchase exclusive content including weaponry and mounts. The developer is also taking advantage of going unrated, working on new locations, monsters, equipment and storylines – including an adventure pack tied to the upcoming Conan the Barbarian movie.
“Everyone on the team is excited about opening up our world to an even larger audience,” said creative director and executive producer Craig Morrison. “The online world of Hyboria is constantly expanding as we continue to introduce new gameplay features and new content, and we truly believe that Age of Conan: Unrated will offer something truly new and unique to both new players and to those have already experienced the brutal online world of Conan the Barbarian.”
How long will it be before WoW is the only premium subscription MMO on the market? For consumers Conan’s switch to the F2P model can only be a good thing, but will you be diving in to Hyboria to give the game a chance?
