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Funcom successfully listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange

Oslo, Norway – December 14, 2005 – Funcom, Europe’s largest developer of subscription-based Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs), has successfully listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE). Gaute Godager, one of the founders of Funcom and Game Director on the forthcoming “Age of Conan” Online Action RPG, had the honour of ringing the bell to mark the official start of the trading. The ticker for the company has been set as FUNCOM.

“This is an historical step for Funcom, and marks a new era for the company” said Torleif Ahlsand, Chairman of the Board of Directors in Funcom. “The stock exchange listing not only allows Funcom to release more titles, it enables the company to pursue its growth strategy.”

”The fact that we have been able to secure close to 30 million USD with the listing means that we can further improve the quality on all aspects of our forthcoming online games” said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. “We are naturally thrilled about this recognition. The games market is set to further expand its growth, and with the listing Funcom can continue to deliver the needed quality to take part in this evolution.”

Funcom has grown to become internationally recognized for its expertise in developing compelling online games. Over the last few years the company has gained a unique experience in operating and developing MMOs. More than one million players are now registered in the Funcom community. Funcom is currently developing three MMOs, including the award-winning ‘Age of Conan – Hyborian Adventures’ and ‘Anarchy Online’. The company’s listing on the stock exchange combined with a cost efficient and experienced organization will further improve Funcom’s overall opportunities in the global marketplace.

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 24 released games to date. Recent successes include ‘The Longest Journey’ and ‘Anarchy Online’.

A Game for the Mature Barbarian
Moggers interviews Jorgen Tharaldson, Conan product manager about the Q2 2006 MMO's unique features: like solo-only to level 20, the single-player focus, brutal endgame, and the "mature" rating. Does this mean we'll see buxom barbarian beauty booty? They don't ask, but we would!

"Conan is announced as a mature game. This is (as far as we know) the first time developers don't try to get a 12+ years rating. So you expect an older audiance? What is the advantage of this?
We are definitively going for the mature audience in Conan, and to be honest I don’t think anything else would have cut it. I mean, it’s Conan, you are supposed to be brutal and barbaric in this universe, right? ;P) We also see that the average online RPG player is close to 28 years (27,2 years in Anarchy Online). If I am not all mistaken the average overall gamer is now 24 years old, so the majority of the gamers are hence adults."

Moggers Age of Conan Q&A, here.
Other links you might enjoy:

• Have some past Age of Conan news
• The original Conan isn't doing so well - CA voters call Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's initiatives barbaric.

Is technology wasted on barbarians?
Funcom blogs in to IGN to discuss some of the tech behind Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures.

When Funcom decided to embark on Age of Conan - Hyborian Adventures (Conan), we needed to take a serious look at our technology base. Despite the fact that we are one of the companies in the world with the longest experience in developing online RPGs, we truly had to evolve to the next level with Conan. You can never rest on your laurels in this industry, so we simply had to make sure the game would shine in today's extremely competitive landscape.

See the newest news (plus some nifty screenshots) onAge of Conan: Hyborean Adventures at RPG Vault.
Related links:

• Other Age of Conan news.

Insert your favourite Conan quote here.
Our good pals at Killer Betties have posted a preview of Funcom's in production MMOG, Age of Conan. We're nearly certain that they wrote this:

"One of the first things that became apparent was the gritty nature of the setting. The proof of this will be in the final product, but an effort was made to escape the 'high fantasy' style with its gleaming weapons and armor, bright world, and flashy characters. The armor and weapons are beautiful but obviously meant for use in battle, the buildings and NPCs are, if not dirty, then far from sparkling; and it is easy to grasp the barbaric nature of the world. Age of Conan is expected to have an M rating, though for overall themes and general violence rather than anything explicit."

You can read the entire Age of Conan Preview at Killer Betties.