This thread on the Warhammer Alliance forums carries word that the latest round of beta testing for Warhamemr Online has wrapped up. It notes that the beta will reopen in early December with new content and servers.

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.

GOA, the online games department of France Telecom, will be present at the Games Convention that will take place in Leipzig next month. They will be showing off Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and Dark Age of Camelot, along with games from their online portal, at their 500 sq. m. stand.

They will also be hooking up 36 free access computers to allow players sample Warhammer Online’s Realm vs. Realm combat.

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.

The studio behind the Warhammer franchise, Games Workshop, has announced its lineup for E3 which consists of titles set only in the Warhammer universe. Theyll be showing off Mark of Chaos (Namco Bandai), Age of Reckoning (Mythic Entertainment) and Dark Crusade (THQ).

Warhammer: Mark of Chaos
Warhammer: Mark of Chaos is an RTS from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. Faithful to the Warhammer world, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos puts the focus squarely on the battlefield with a real-time combat system that gives the player unprecedented customization and control of his army. This RTS focuses on armies and battling while de-emphasizing base and resource management. Players will also have the opportunity to use environments to their advantage, command Heroes and Champions with their own abilities and choose from a variety of modes for both casual and competitive play. Players take to the battlefield in Fall 2006.

Warhammer: Mark of Chaos can be seen at Booth #824 in the South Hall. For further game information, to access new assets, to download the fan site building kit or to interact with other RTS fans on the forums, please visit www.markofchaos.com.

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR)
WAR is a massively-multiplayer online role-playing game from Mythic Entertainment, developer and publisher of the critically-acclaimed MMO Dark Age of Camelot. Set in Games Workshop’s Warhammer fantasy world, WAR features next generation Realm vs. RealmTM (RvR) game play that integrates PvP and PvE combat into a single seamless experience. The game is scheduled for release in 2007 on the PC.

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning can be seen in West Hall, Booth #2472. To learn more about WAR, visit the game’s newly updated website: www.warhammeronline.com. Sign up for the monthly newsletter to receive exclusive stories, art, and game information, as well as a chance to take part in the game’s beta test.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Dark Crusade
Published by THQ Inc. and developed by THQ’s internal development studio Relic Entertainment, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade is the second expansion pack in the Dawn of War RTS franchise. The game will feature two new playable races, the Tau Empire and the Necrons, bringing the number of totally unique races to an unprecedented seven. The game is expected to release in fall 2006.

In addition to the two new playable races, Dark Crusade will feature an all-new single player campaign centering on the conquest of a “meta-map”, with each territory capturedgiving tangible rewards to the occupying force. A greatly expanded multiplayer component and a completely unique economy model for the Necrons will present gamers with the most compelling Dawn of War game to-date.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Dark Crusade can be seen at THQ Booth #1324 South Hall.