Proving that the Warhammer brand name is still going strong, GOA and EA Mythic have announced that more than 400,000 players worldwide have signed up for the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning closed beta test, making it one of the most successful betas in gaming history. The beta center is still open and those interested can still apply to get into the test.

Based on the tabletop fantasy war game, WAR features Realm vs. Realm (RvR) gameplay and is scheduled for release during Q1 2008 on PC.

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.

The second bit of MMOG news comes from GOA, who today announced that more than 300,000 players have signed up for the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning closed beta test, making it one of the most popular MMOG ever. The closed beta test began in June, with the game amassing so many gamers in a little more than a month.

They are still accepting applications for the beta, so if you’re interested to contribute to that number, you’re more than welcome to do so. WAR is set for release during the first quarter of 2008 and will feature revolutionary Realm vs. Realm gameplay.

In its effort to make Medal of Honor: Airborne as realistic as it can be, EA today announced that they have signed a deal with Jeep to include vehicles from the company, as they were found during the second World War, in the upcoming game. The classic Willys-Overland Jeep will appear in action-packed sequences in several missions of Airborne.

Jeep played an integral role in the war effort as an indispensable tool in tracking the enemy, exchanging information and moving troops. Over 350,000 Willys Jeep vehicles were built and used during WWII, and at one point the assembly line was pushing out one vehicle every 90 seconds. When driving a Willys Jeep in Medal of Honor Airborne, the player can choose to use it as a mode of transportation, or as a mobile attack platform taking full advantage of a variety of mounted weapons. Authentic to their use in WWII, the Willys Jeep will be able to access more areas than the other drivable vehicles featured in Medal of Honor Airborne, because of Jeep vehicle’s superior four-wheel drive off-road capabilities.

MoH: Airborne is in the works at EA Los Angeles for the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.