New Game Director For Anarchy Online Announced

Straight from my inbox:
Funcom announces new Game Director for Anarchy Online

- Impressive looking graphics upgrade, new live content and more -

Durham, USA November 11, 2004 Funcom announces Morten Byom as new Game Director for Anarchy Online. Morten Byom is a long-time member of the Anarchy Online development team, and has proven his exemplary abilities for years. One of the highlights of his previous achievements can be found in the mesmerizing world of Shadowlands, where he worked as Lead World Designer. Shadowlands won over 20 awards.

(I am aware that I am standing on the shoulders of giants when it comes to being a Game Director for AO) said Morten Byom. (Still, as I have been an integral part of the team for years I feel confident I can carry on the torch to further illuminate AO. I truly look forward to take the creative lead, and will do my best in making the ultimate sci-fi MMORPG even better.)

Funcom is also very happy to announce a major graphics upgrade for Anarchy Online. Even though AO has constantly received great praise and awards for its graphics and art direction, Funcom always seeks to make something better. The first evidence of a vastly updated world will be experienced through all-new ground textures and more detailed characters. Moreover, the entire color scheme will be upgraded to make the planet more vibrant, colorful and lush. All of these changes will be implemented in the months to come, in addition to new playfields which will further escalate the intense and action-filled alien conflict.

At the same time Funcom is further staffing up the Anarchy team. One of the newly arrived is Enno Rehling, who was Lead Programmer on Notum Wars (Expansion pack of the year, CGW). A multi-award winning staff mixed with quality newcomers means that Funcom feels confident about a continued strong future for Anarchy Online.

(I am very happy about the appointment of Morten Byom as Game Director) said Project Director Ole Schreiner. (Not only has he proven himself with his previous work on both Rubi-Ka and Shadowlands, Morten also has a special charisma and mentality. With a new graphics upgrade, great new staff and Morten Byom at the creative helm I envision a bright future of AO for many years to come.)

Marius Enge, the former Game Director for Anarchy Online, has accepted a position as Senior Designer for one of the premier upcoming MMO games. Funcom is sad to see Marius leave, but at the same time grateful for the outstanding work he has delivered through the seven years he worked on AO. Funcom wishes him the best of luck in his new endeavor.

A personal letter from Morten about his visions for the future of AO:


http://www.anarchy-online.com/content/news/newsletters/issue23


Before and after shots of the ground textures and screens from a new Alien playfield:

http://www.anarchy-online.com/content/downloads/media/screenshots


To download a free full version of Anarchy Online with 14-days included:

http://www.anarchy-online.com/tryout


ABOUT FUNCOM - Funcom is an independent developer and publisher of computer and console games with a focus on Adventure Action and Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG). Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track-record of 24 released games to date. Recent successes include the multi-award winning The Longest Journey, the award winning and critically acclaimed Anarchy Online - The Notum Wars and the heralded masterpiece Anarchy Online - Shadowlands. For corporate information please visit www.funcom.com. For information about Anarchy Online visit www.anarchy-online.com .For information about Dreamfall visit www.dreamfall.com .