“We are extremely proud of all we have learned and achieved with Anarchy Online, and even today the game keeps on attracting new gamers in their hundreds of thousands,” said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. “New doesn’t equate to better, and the continued success of the free and ultimate sci-fi MMORPG is a testament to how an online game can be honed and improved on an ongoing basis. As we look into the sixth year of Anarchy Online and beyond, we are continuously dedicated to keep on improving the game.”

Anarchy Online timeline:

• Anarchy Online (2001) – With the world’s first science fiction MMORPG Funcom introduced MMO innovations like the mission system, the Auto-Content Generation system, instancing, drag and drop chat interface and numerous other technical improvements which have been widely copied. Shortly after launch Funcom introduced the free seven day trial and digital downloads into the MMO scene. Anarchy Online won “Best MMO of the year 2001” in PC gamer US.
• Anarchy Online Special Edition (2002) - The special edition of Anarchy Online included a brand new player experience and an updated and improved game client. With a focus on stability and a smooth introduction into the game, AO had turned into a MMO powerhouse.
• Anarchy Online - Notum Wars (2002) - For the first time in a MMO Funcom introduced land control areas, organization vs. organization PvP and voice commands, and Notum Wars meant another great step forward for the exciting PvP action found in the game. It won the “Expansion pack of the year” in Computer Gaming World.
• Anarchy Online – Shadowlands (2003) - The massive Shadowlands expansion pack was widely heralded as a benchmark for MMO expansions, and the game won numerous awards and netted an 88% review score average. Introducing massive amounts of new content, new playfields and two new professions, the expansion pack opened up a new universe for the AO players. Shadowlands won ‘Expansion pack of the year’ at IGN.
• Anarchy Online – Alien Invasion (2004) - The Alien Invasion expansion pack meant an exciting new chapter for the ongoing storyline in Anarchy as the planet of Rubi-Ka was invaded by a ferocious alien race. With additions like player-made cities and guild based content on demand attacks, the expansion pack took AO yet another step forward. Alien Invasion was the first game to be available in digital retail on launch day.
• Anarchy Online – Classic for free (2004) - Anarchy Online became the first major MMO to switch to no subscription fees as the classic version of the game became free in November 2004. In the spring of 2005 Funcom and Massive Incorporated introduced, for the first time in a game, dynamic in-game advertising billboards allowing Funcom to further experiment with exciting new business models and free gameplay.
• Anarchy Online – Lost Eden (2006) - In Q4 2006 Funcom will launch Lost Eden, the latest addition to the ongoing Anarchy Online saga. Introducing massive orbital battle-stations, new vehicles, battle Mechs, advanced research opportunities, new PvP approaches on Rubi-Ka and access to vast alien motherships is but a few of the exciting new things the players of Anarchy Online can look forward to.

For more information about the game, the anniversary events and the upcoming expansion pack Anarchy Online – Lost Eden visit the official website http://www.anarchy-online.com