September 17th, 2008

Funcom – In Trouble

If Funcom doesn't ring a bell, you don't have to worry - I can remember at least 20 great games I played at any time, but I will only remember half of those games' producers, the most. Anyway, I am sure Age of Conan must ring a bell to most people who have no idea what "Funcom" stands for. Unfortunately, it seems we're going to talk about "Funcom in trouble" today, and here's why...

Back when the Age of Conan digital download became available, I was thrilled, because I was sure more people would rush in, especially those who weren't able to buy a retail version at all. On the other side, a 15GB download isn't exactly something to be taken lightly, but the problem is not distributing a very large file over the Internet. Funcom's problem is that, after 16 years, the co-founder of the company, producer and game director decided to leave.

That's Funcom in trouble, all right, and this is what Gaute Godager said: "I have done my very best making this fabulous game, but I have concluded there are elements which I am dissatisfied with. I have decided to act on this, and as a result I have chosen to leave Funcom." If you ask me, this would have been a reason to stay and make a better game, and not leave, but this is the man's decision, and I think everyone should respect it. I am sure he didn't decide this after thinking about it for 2 minutes...

His place will be taken by Craig Morrison, previously producer and game director for Anarchy Online, and also an ex-Telegraph and IGN staff member, who said "My main priority now is therefore to listen to, and act on, player concerns, while ensuring we add additional great content to the game. At heart I will always be a gamer, and the coming changes and additions to Conan will always be done with the gamers in mind. Together I am certain we will shape an amazing future for Age of Conan."

It's good to hear that. After all, Age of Conan is a great achievement, despite its issues. If everything works well, I am sure that next year we'll talk about Funcom in trouble thinking about those early days when Age of Conan was only a shadow of what has become...and Gaute Godager, a sailor who shouldn't have left the boat, but that's what time will decide!