EA and BL Publishing have announced that they will release an original novel based on Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, an upcoming MMORPG based in the world of the classic game. The first book in the new series of novels set in the Age of Reckoning, Empire of Chaos will be available in all major bookstores and on the publisher’s website early next year.

In EMPIRE IN CHAOS, by noted Games Workshop author Anthony Reynolds, the lands of the Empire are being ravaged by a terrible plague. When Annaliese Jaeger’s village is overrun and destroyed by mutants, she and an injured Elf captive are the only survivors. As the two unlikely companions fight their way towards Black Fire Pass, Annaliese discovers within herself powers of courage and faith that inspire all around her. With a grizzled Witch Hunter and a Dwarf Ironbreaker, the heroes battle alongside the armies of the Empire and the Dwarfs, above and below the earth, against greenskin tribes and the hordes of Chaos. Together, they must find their courage and help turn back the tides of darkness, lest all of the Empire be lost.

The book’s author Anthony Reynolds said that the world of Warhammer is a “grim place, full of horror, violence and dark humor,” making it the perfect backdrop for a novel. The game will be out during the first quarter of 2008. Over 40,000 players have signed up for the ongoing closed beta test in Europe and North America, making it one of the most popular beta tests in MMOG history. They are still accepting applications.

Having sold over 15 million copies in 26 different languages, the classic Fighting Fantasy series of books will now be fighting its way to portables. Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson have teamed up with development consultants Bad Management to bring the series to the DS and PSP; no release date was mentioned.

Commenting, Ian Livingstone said, “Fighting Fantasy built up a huge, worldwide fan base over the years. We believe that players will really enjoy the adventures in a new way on DS and PSP. Fighting Fantasy’s interactive structure is ideal for bite-sized chunks of gameplay which is important for these devices.”

Steve Jackson, Fighting Fantasy’s co-creator; added, “We’re convinced that innovative handheld versions will challenge and entertain a whole new generation of gamers - as well as existing fans - and will form the basis of a new portable gaming franchise.”

The series was originally published in the e’80s by Puffin Books; it was recently re-launched in the UK by Icon Books.