Producer & game director for Age of Conan resigns from Funcom
Some big shake-ups seem to be happening over at Funcom today as Gaute Godager resigns from his position at the company as producer and game director for Age of Conan. His replacement is Craig Morrison, who's held the same position with Anarchy Online for several years prior to this change. While most (or more than half) will agree that Age of Conan is in a very dissatisfying state, this news still comes as a shock. Gaute Godager was one of the founders of Funcom and is leaving the company and the games industry after 16 years. He was also a part of Age of Conan's development since its conception.
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]
