Age of Conan finally released?

A lot of MMORPGs is in a phase of development. Maybe too long, if you ask fans. They would love to see the finished game, rather than fighting in beta for ages.
Sometimes these delays are caused by ‘realtime’ troubles.
But, often they’re not.

There are various problems that affect release date of certain game. They could be just ‘a stone in the shoe’ – annoying, yet still removable or a real mountain that cannot be so easily crossed.
In the game developing, we usually have these:

Lack of ideas

Even the most creative persons have their blockades, when imagination hit the wall of creative darkness. But, usually it doesn’t last long, but enough to cause annoyance and impatience.

Lack of interest

If you’re enthusiastic about your idea, but your future community doesn’t share the same optimism and even shows a lack of interest for your future product, i.e. the game, then you’re in trouble. If your idea didn’t attract enough subscribers, that could mean that your game can be delayed indefinitely, or what’s even worse shut down forever.
 
Lack of money

Some ‘third party’ is involved in this project by giving you the financial support and I’m sure there must be someone with money behind every project. Except if you’re rich and you’re your own donator, but then you wouldn’t make games, you will be on some tropical island drinking cocktails.
Anyway, if they ‘turn off the tap’, your project will be placed ‘on ice’ to wait some better times.
 3. can be easily caused by 1. and 2. Or simply by change of mood of your donator.

Technical Issues

Bugs, BSoDs, lack of sound or video, extreeeemely laaaaggy performance can cause you a headache and prolong the game.
But, as old folks used to say: “Rather in Beta, than after release date.”

Perfectionism

Maybe the most reasonable explanation for the game delay. You want to polish, to fix and tight all looses, before you serve your efforts to the experienced gaming population.

Funcom probably did the same with their latest (hopefully the last) delay of their ultramega popular MMORPG entry “Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures”.
Although being expected some time ago, Funcom decided to prolong the release date and to polish Age of Conan even more.
Or what is called perfectionism.

Both Funcom and gaming community have great expectations of this game.
Although the game shows full potential especially through fun factor and the exciting combat system and despite great feedback from the community, Funcom obviously doesn’t want to disappoint anyone, so the new release date has been set for the 20th May 2008.

However, Age of Conan will still hold the title of the most anticipated game, but will it be the best, we still have to wait for release to see.