Trivia
Funcom announced on September 12, 2005, that the free Anarchy Online offer will be extended AGAIN throughout all of 2006 and into 2007 (offer valid on all new sign-ups until 15.01.2007).
The free Anarchy Online offer was apparently an overwhelming success and it has been extended for a full year. It looks like Funcom is planning on "borrowing" the subscription model designed for the upcoming fantasy MMORPG Guild Wars. The full press release on the subject:
Funcom extends the free offer on Anarchy Online into 2006
14 January, 2005
Funcom announces that the free Anarchy Online offer has been a tremendous success and will be fully extended throughout all of 2005 and into 2006. Anarchy Online now has more users than ever before, and the player feedback about the experience Funcom is offering has been fantastic. The game is setting records on an ongoing basis, with more active players now than seen in the month of launch more than 3.5 years ago.
It’s currently the long-term goal for Funcom to make sure that the removal of subscription fees, client costs and the need to have a credit card when registering for Anarchy Online will become a permanent offering, making sure that anyone curious about the heralded qualities of the ultimate sci-fi MMORPG can play without any financial commitments.
"The free initiative has been a tremendous success" says Ole Schreiner, Project Director for Anarchy Online. "Throngs of new players have entered the game and created a vibrant pioneer feeling for all those who see the wonders of Anarchy Online for the first time. Even though our servers and customer service have been under strong pressure, it’s assuring to see our technology holding up with such stability".
"Seeing the great feedback from the free offer we are aiming to extend it into 2006 and beyond should it prove to be a continued success" said Trond Arne Aas, President and CEO of Funcom. "We are happy to be part of something which has sent such positive waves throughout the MMO communities, while significantly lowering the entrance barrier to enter Anarchy Online."
This new and totally free approach allows everyone tired of elves, fairies and gnomes to enter a futuristic RPG world full of fun action totally free of cost, and makes it possible for all sci-fi fans to explore a world hailed as the best sci-fi MMO available today.
Contributed by
ClydeFrog (10174) on Jan 14, 2005.
In December 2004, Funcom offered all new players who registered between 15 December 2004 and 15 January 2005 the full game for free until 1 January, 2006, without a subscription fee, to keep a steady user base. Of course, veteran players will most likely not give up their characters for the free account and new players do not get access to any of the three expansion packs.
Contributed by
Sciere 
(119960) on Dec 15, 2004.
At October 13, 2004, Funcom announced a new distribution model for Anarchy Online. The full version can now be downloaded for free and the tryout period has been extended from 7 to 14 days.
Contributed by
Sciere (119960) on Oct 14, 2004.
