In what is hopefully the last MMO delay of the year, Funcom announced in a press release today that Age of Conan is being pushed back to March 25th, 2008 as the final “Fo Realz” release date.

Durham, USA – August 10th, 2007 – Funcom announce a new release date for ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’. The highly anticipated MMO is now set to release on the 25th of March 2008. By setting a new release date for the game, Funcom can continue the focus on honing, polishing and improving the heralded qualities of the game, ensuring a fantastic MMO experience when it launches next spring.

“We naturally regret that we have to push back ‘Age of Conan’. However, after careful consideration, and analysis of recent Beta feedback, we believe that the new release date is in the best interest of the gamers, our company and our owners,” said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. “We are fully committed to delivering games with absolute qualities, and in the current MMO marketplace we know that only the best is good enough to truly succeed. With the new release date we have therefore given ourselves more time to meet and deliver on the massive expectations for the game. We are certain that our choice will ultimately pay off, and that all ‘Age of Conan’ players will get a special online experience.”

Given the news I wouldn’t be too surprised if you see a few Barbarian’s pirates setting sail on the open seas later this year out of desperation.

After Funcom’s rocky history and the vile unfiltered swearing and hatred I held for them after the ill-fated Anarchy Online launch (Yes I was one of many beta testers screaming for all that is Holy that they hold back the launch 3 more months), I’m actually downright impressed they learned from that experience. They’re not the only MMO launch that should be delayed to save itself from mediocrity this year, but I’m not going to a point any fingers. more >>