Three subscription tiers introduced – The first video from the new graphics engine revealed as heralded MMO looks ahead

Durham, USA – January 23, 2008 – Funcom announces the introduction of a tiered subscription system in Anarchy Online, and players can now choose between three subscriptions plans going from free-to-play to 5 to 14,95 USD / EUR a month. The newest subscription level means that gamers can access the areas and content in the Shadowlands expansion pack for only 5 USD / EUR a month, thereby offering one of the most profound, engaging and deep online experiences around for a low monthly cost.

The new areas which open up for the 5 USD a month subscribers are all located in the Shadowlands. This expansion pack got an incredible review score average, several awards and great critical acclaim when it launched, and is one of the most heralded MMO expansions of all time. The expansion not only gives players massive new areas to explore, it also introduces lots of new features as well as a chance to reach the maximum level in Anarchy Online.

“A lot of our free players have really wanted to explore more of Anarchy Online, without committing to a premium subscription. We therefore hope that many will take advantage of the option we are now giving them,” said Craig Morrison, Producer and Game Director on Anarchy Online. “With a great range of subscription choices, a brand new graphics engine and a constant update of fresh content we aim to deliver a great MMO experience for many years to come.”

The new subscription tier comes on top of the existing business models in Anarchy Online, and avid MMO gamers can still play the classic version of Anarchy Online entirely for free. In addition, Funcom continue to focus on premium subscribers, who get access to absolutely all which Anarchy Online has to offer for 14.95 a month.

Anarchy Online was the first of the major western MMO’s to go for a free-to-play business model in 2004, and through the years Funcom has introduced numerous progressive models. Ranging from being the first game with dynamic in-game advertisement to being a pioneer in introducing digital downloads, free-to-play models, free trials, paid virtual items and more, Funcom keeps on exploring new approaches to running a MMO. The introduction of a tiered subscription system is meant to further extend the success of Anarchy Online, while giving Funcom customers even more choices in how they want to access the game.

Anarchy Online have to date entertained more than 1.3 million gamers, and continues to attract new players in the hundreds of thousands. As Anarchy Online goes into its seventh year of operation Funcom also looks ahead, and a great new graphics engine will be launched later this year. Funcom is therefore proud to reveal the first video from the new engine, showing what the Anarchy Online players can expect in the years to come. The impressive new video can be found at www.anarchy-online.com.

For more information, FAQ and an update from the Game Director please visit www.anarchy-online.com