When I suggested you sign up for the Warhammer Online closed beta, I didn't mean all at once.

Now Electronic Arts is reporting that over two hundred thousand people applied for the beta between North America and Europe, and if anyone at all followed my advice they're going to have a hard time ferreting through hordes of female fans passionate about Warhammer who want a hand at making what they believe to be the next MMO sensation an overwhelming success. I hope you all at least chose different names.

"We would like to thank the community for their tremendous response to Warhammer Online. The overwhelming worldwide response to beta test has been phenomenal. The team has been working incredibly hard on creating a genre-defining experience, and the beta signups certainly validate the direction we're taking the game," said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager of EA Mythic.

What a great feeling it must be for the team - like hoping for rain and getting a thunderstorm instead. Beta apps are still being accepted, which is good for me as I completely forgot to take my own advice. I never listen to myself. Michael Fahey

GOA AMASSES AN ARMY FOR WARHAMMER® ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONINGTM BETA TEST

OVER 200,000 GAMERS SIGN UP FOR THE WARHAMMER® ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONING CLOSED BETA TEST IN LESS THAN TEN DAYS

GOA, the France Telecom-owned publisher of online games, and Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment company, announce today that more than 200,000 players signed up for the forthcoming Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™.

The Warhammer Online Beta Centre opened simultaneously in Europe and North America on May 30, and the 200,000 registration mark was surpassed over the weekend, less than ten days after launch. This makes the beta test of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning one of the most rapidly growing beta tests in the history of the MMORPG category. The Beta Centre is currently open and accepting applications at www.WAR-europe.com.

"Such an amazingly high number of subscribers to the website and beta test is fantastic news and very encouraging," commented Ghislaine Le Rhun, Senior Vice President of GOA. "It proves the game has already struck a cord with gamers who are hungry for the greatest MMO experience available. We are also delighted to be able to say a big 'Thank You' and to reward gamers' loyalty and enthusiasm for WAR by offering them the chance to become part of the beta experience and to play the game months ahead of launch."

"We would like to thank the community for their tremendous response to Warhammer Online. The overwhelming worldwide response to beta test has been phenomenal. The team has been working incredibly hard on creating a genre-defining experience, and the beta signups certainly validate the direction we're taking the game," said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager of EA Mythic. "Player input and testing will be crucial in our efforts to complete the game, and we look forward to beta participants' help in shaping Warhammer Online."

Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™ launches simultaneously in Europe and North America early in 2008 and is based on Games Workshop's popular Warhammer fantasy world. Please visit www.WAR-europe.com for the chance to join the beta test and for more game information and regular updates.

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