Europe's largest developer of MMORPGs, Funcom, creators of Anarchy Online and Age of Conan: Hyborean Adventures, has announced plans to go public on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE). While final approval rests on market conditions and the OSE, Funcom has already announced their intent.

"There is a considerable market potential for MMO[RPG]s, and Funcom is a world leader in both technology and quality within the segment," said Torleif Ahlsand, Chairman of the Board of Directors in Funcom. "The listing and subsequent issue will strengthen Funcom's financial position, its flexibility and enables the company to further strengthen its product pipeline, as well as pursue attractive investment opportunities in the years to come."

"An application for a stock exchange listing is a natural next step for Funcom and demonstrates the maturity of our company," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. "Access to a regulated and efficient market will enable us to pursue our strategy of becoming a global leader in subscription-based online gaming, and increases Funcom’s strategic opportunities."

Funcom's newest game, Age of Conan: Hyborean Adventures is slated for release sometime in 2006.