Funcom has just sent out word that Age Of Conan is entering the first phase of beta testing, which will for now only include the publisher's QA department and select experienced beta testers - but as the game moves closer to launch, the beta phase will get more open, which means more external beta testers will eventually be able to get their hands on the game. Funcom says they'll probably start accepting beta applications in fall.

If you want to increase your chances in becoming an Age Of Conan beta tester, subscribing to the newsletter and registering in the forums could help. Other than that, as a normal gamer, there's little possibility that you'll be selected anytime soon.

Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom said: "We have worked hard on ‘Age of Conan’ for more than two years, and it’s great to see that our collective effort has led us to this point. The game already looks stunning and it’s a lot of fun to play. We are looking forward to include our community, partners and press once we move into the later stages of the Beta.”

Age Of Conan had a successful E3 display, receiving the "MMO of Show" award from numerous big gaming sites such as IGN and GameSpy. It will become a "Windows Vista Showcase" title as well, similar to Shadowrun.

To remind you a little of what'll be going on in Age Of Conan: As a player, you'll encounter the brutal, mythical universe originally created by Robert E. Howard in the '30s. It's a world filled with gods, strange creatures and struggling civilizations. The mighty barbarian Conan has claimed the throne of Aquilonia, but it's a time of chaos and ancient evil is threatening the kingdoms. Under Conan's reign, you must fight to survive and at one point, your fate will become important to the future of the world.