Warhammer Online Delayed Until Fall 2008; Colllector's Edition Announced

Developer EA Mythic has revealed that the release of its oft-delayed PC MMO Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, which was previously slated for Q2 2008, has been pushed back until this fall.

Alongside the delay, the studio announced plans for a bonus-filled Collector's Edition of the game. Limited to 60,000 units in North America, the $79.99 Collector's Edition will pack an exclusive miniature, a 128-page graphic novel prequel, a 224-page art book, 12 bonus quests, 12 additional in-game character heads, and an experience-boosting item, which is restricted to three uses of 60 minutes each.

Furthermore, EA Mythic noted that those who pre-order the Collector's Edition from a participating retailer--a list that includes Best Buy, GameStop, GameCrazy Amazon.com, GoGamer.com and EAStore.com--will receive guaranteed access to the open beta, early access to the live game, and two more exclusive in-game items.

Speaking of the delay in the Warhammer Online Forums, studio manager Mark Jacobs declined to provide an exact launch date, but noted that the company is still planning to release the title simultaneously in North America and Europe.

"Given the highly competitive nature of the MMO industry right now, we feel it is best not to establish a set launch date at the present time," Jacobs wrote.

"We've always told the community that when a delay was necessary we would tell them right away, and weÂ’re doing just that," he continued. "I wish I could say all other developers do this but the fact is that they don't."