Warhammer OL beta smashes 200K

Warhammer Online's past has been as brutal as its subject matter. Its original incarnation was dashed after ill-fated developer Climax lost control of the project twice, first after Games Workshop pulled the plug on the project and then again when Mythic Entertainment stripped the license after the beleaguered developer attempted to trudge on alone. The massively multiplayer online game's future then took yet another unanticipated turn, as EA acquired Mythic in an effort to break into the massively profitable MMOG market.

However, judging from initial interest, the fantasy wargame's future may be headed for more placid waters. EA today is reporting that in just 10 days, more than 200,000 registrants have signed on to beta-test the upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Those wishing to register for the ongoing beta can do so at the studio's Web site.

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is an officially licensed offspring of Games Workshop's classic tabletop wargaming franchise. The game has not yet been rated or priced but is due out early next year. For more coverage, check out GameSpot's recent previews.