Remember Age of Conan? The MMO? Somehow Funcom’s “Wow-killer” came, saw, and went away. Just before its release, and for a month or two afterwards, Age of Conan was the game to play - reaching one million subscribers in no time. After that it has cooled off a bit too quickly for its own good, receiving critique for its gameplay, fighting and programming. It seems WoW stays king of the hill.

Gaute Godager, who is the co-founder of Funcom and Age of Conan’s producer, has now decided to leave Funcom due to his dissatisfaction with the game. “I have done my very best making this fabulous game, but I have concluded there are elements which I am dissatisfied with,” said Godager. “I have decided to act on this, and as a result I have chosen to leave Funcom.” Exactly what troubles Godager is unknown at this time, but perhaps we’ll get some more info on that in the days to come.

Taking on Godager’s role is Craig Morrison, previously producer and game director for Anarchy Online, and an ex-IGN staff member.

“I have a clear conviction I can lead the further development in a good way, evolving Age of Conan into something even better,” he said. “My main priority now is therefore to listen to, and act on, player concerns, while ensuring we add additional great content to the game.”

Age of Conan needs changes to get back its lost glory. It’s by no doubt a very good game, but sitting down and absorbing what the players have to say is the only way to make the improvements that are necessary. If only more developers looked at how EVE Online is doing it.