Next Age of Conan update bringing DX10 graphics

Funcom's Age of Conan was one of the first titles we were told would sport DirectX 10 graphics, yet here we are, months after the game's release and the sole graphics option is still DX9.

That's about to change though, according to Craig Morrison, Game Director for Age of Conan, the next update will finally bring DX10 graphics to the game:

We are now preparing to take the DirectX 10 version of the game from our internal testing servers out to the public test servers, so you can see it for yourselves. The next major game update will include this version of the game and make it available for everyone with the appropriate hardware to enjoy. Since the outset we have been determined that the new DirectX 10 functionality would not just be a ‘gimmick’ addition to the game and would add visual quality to the game, we feel that the version we are preparing now for testing does achieve this and in a way that will find the right balance between visuals and performance. We have also gone to great lengths to try and make virtually all the DirectX10 features customizable so that you can find the right balance between features for the performance level of your hardware. What we did not want to do was push this version out too early and not see the real added benefits this technology can bring. I am really looking forward to players getting to experience some of the new visual improvements that this new technology allows. It really brings an even further splendor to the game world.

Keep your eyes out for the announcement of when the update will hit the public test servers so that you can try it out for yourselves!

The new update will also feature two new dungeon locations aimed at maximum level players. A specific date wasn't given, but considering that Morrison goes on to describe future updates in early 2009, you can assume Funcom hopes to have the DX10 update finished by the end of the year.