'Age of Conan' Enters First Phase of Beta Testing

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 2006--Funcom announces that 'Age of Conan' is entering the first phase of beta testing. The 'Age of Conan' Beta will evolve gradually with more and more external testers being added as the game moves closer to launch. The first stage of Beta will include people from Funcom's Quality Assurance Department and selected, experienced Beta testers under NDA. During the fall more external testers will be included in the Beta. Beta signs-up will be announced broadly when Funcom is ready to process applications.

"We have worked hard on 'Age of Conan' for more than two years, and it's great to see that our collective effort has led us to this point," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. "The game already looks stunning and it's a lot of fun to play. We are looking forward to include our community, partners and press once we move into the later stages of the Beta."

'Age of Conan' is a Showcase title for Windows Vista, and the game recently won the "Best MMO of Show" E3 awards from IGN, Gamespot, Gamespy and Yahoo Games. More information about the MMO 'Age of Conan', screenshots, forums, newsletter sign-up and a welcoming community portal can be found on the official website www.ageofconan.com.

Funcom would like to remind interested Beta testers that signing up for the Conan newsletter as well as registering on the official forums will increase the chance of getting a Beta spot.

ABOUT AGE OF CONAN - HYBORIAN ADVENTURES -- In 'Conan' the players will encounter a lush, brutal and sinful universe, presented in fantastic graphics and stunning 7.1 surround audio. In a world filled with cruel gods, mythical creatures, lost civilizations and a struggling human race, the mighty barbarian has finally seized the throne as king of Aquilonia. But Conan's rule is on the brink of chaos, spiraling towards the doom of ancient evils. In this twisted fantasy world, dark magic and brutal combat lurks around every corner, and each man and woman must carve their own unique destiny under Conan's reign. In the true vision of Robert E. Howard's dark universe it's now time for you to become a messenger of death.

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 more than twenty released games. Recent successes include 'The Longest Journey', 'Anarchy Online' and 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'. For corporate information, please visit www.funcom.com. For information about Funcom games, visit www.anarchy-online.com, www.dreamfall.com or www.ageofconan.com. Funcom is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FUNCOM.

ABOUT CONAN PROPERTIES INTERNATIONAL -- Conan Properties International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Paradox Entertainment Inc., controls all rights to Conan, associated characters and the Hyborian world, as created by Robert E. Howard and expanded upon by acclaimed authors and artists for decades. Conan is considered to be the world's best-known fantasy character. For more information about Conan Properties International, visit www.conan.com. For information about Paradox Entertainment Inc., visit www.paradox-entertainment.com.