December 16^th, 2004 (12:49pm) - Funcom has announced that they will run a offer that allow new subscribers to play Anarchy Online for free. The offer came into effect yesterday and is scheduled to last until January 15th, 2005. For the time being, users will not have to register a credit card to play either, however, those wanting to play the content featured on the three available Anarchy Online expansion packs will have to pay monthly subscription and client fees.

"Funcom has always been recognized as an inventive MMO developer. This unique move will allow us to test important new business models prior to announcing future online games, while also giving everyone the chance to experience the best online sci-fi RPG totally free of cost" said Trond Arne Aas, President and CEO of Funcom.

"We feel very confident in the unique features and heralded qualities of our game, and are now openly inviting everyone playing MMO’s to find out what Anarchy Online is all about, completely free of commitment" said Ole Schreiner, Project Director for Anarchy Online. "Not only can we boast of a fantastic game which has been expanding for years, we are also constantly adding exciting new content, progressively making the ultimate sci-fi MMORPG even better."

Anarchy Online is set in the far flung future. On the world of Rubi-Ka, new developments in nanotechnology are made using an element known as "Notum". Wars rage between clans on the planet and a huge corporation known as Omni-Tek, a plane called the "Shadowlands" beckons for exploring, and mysterious aliens have begun invading. Its up to players to shape the future of Rubi-Ka.

The Anarchy Online client is free for download on anarchy-online.com.