Incoming producer/director Craig Morrison stepped fully into the Conan community to greet the players today, as well. You can read his address to the faithful on the official forums. Follow the break for Godager's parting words and reasons for leaving Funcom.
On his reason for leaving 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. It is time to get new, fresh eyes on Age of Conan, and I wholeheartedly support the appointment of Craig. I have had a fantastic time these last 16 years, and I am very proud of the many things Funcom has achieved. Funcom and Conan will always be a big part of me, but as I now look to new ventures outside the gaming industry I am certain Age of Conan's future is in the best of hands." We can't be certain whether Gaute truly left of his own accord or was kindly asked to step down, but either way this is a big change for everyone involved with the game.
The bright side to this whole thing is that it could mean good things for continuing AoC subscribers. Maybe Gaute is right in his assessment that the game needs a fresh set of eyes. Although with the launch of Warhammer Online tomorrow and upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion in November, things could get even more stormy for the Barbarian MMO. We would suggest readers buy a drama-proof raincoat for the coming months, just in case.
[Thanks, Eivind Rostad]
