Conan the Barbarian, as both a franchise and an independent property, has seen better days of late, with the 2011 movie reboot of the character and world of Hyboria a tired exercise in big-budget hyperbole. Thankfully, the forthcoming The Legend of Conan, which will be continuous with the original 1980s series of films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger - complete that trilogy in the process and possibility even launching an entire Robert E. Howard movie universe, should it ever come to fruition.
On the other end of the Conan spectrum, Conan Properties and video game developer Funcom have certain plans in the works that could offer fans of the original fantasy character even more immediate Cimmerian adventures on the small screen.
According to an official Funcom press release, the developer has entered into a recent agreement with Conan Properties to become the preferred partner for all PC and console video game titles featuring the original fantasy character. Having already enjoyed a lucrative relationship with the gaming studio subsequent to the development and release of the 2008 MMO, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures, the two conglomerates are excited to announce that a total of three titles are in the works to be announced in 2016, with the first production to be unveiled in January of next year.
When asked to comment on the two companies plans going forward, Funcom CEO, Rui Casasi, stated:
“We are tremendously excited to be strengthening our relationship with Conan Properties. Conan the Barbarian is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest and most recognizable fantasy heroes, and as game developers, working with such a character and being able to draw from the fantastically detailed world of Hyboria is nothing short of a dream come true.”
It will certainly be an exciting time for fans of the original Robert E. Howard property to enjoy, as the Conan the Barbarian property has laid relatively dormant for the twenty plus years since the last feature film starring Schwarzenegger in the title role. In further eager approval of the creative partnership going forward, Conan Properties CEO, Fredrik Malmberg, added:
As plans continue to unfold within the cinematic and video game worlds collectively belonging to the original Robert E. Howard fantasy universe, fans of the titular hero can expect to see more of their favorite barbarian very soon. With Schwarzenegger possibly returning to the role on the big screen, and with several subsequent interactive titles set in the world of Hyboria yet to come, the Cimmerian warrior appears to still have plenty of fight left within him.
“Funcom has shown they are more than capable of managing the rich heritage of Conan the Barbarian, and to breathe new life into the world of Hyboria, and we are thrilled to be working together on new, exciting projects.”
Screen Rant will keep you posted on all information regarding future Conan the Barbarian titles.
Source: Funcom
