This Funcom Press Release announces The Secret World, an upcoming MMORPG for both PC and Xbox 360, which is the game that was mysteriously teased the other day (story). No release date is set, but word is the game has been in development since last summer, and is already in a playable state:

Durham, USA – May 11th, 2007 – From the creators of ‘Age of Conan’, ‘Anarchy Online’, ‘The Longest Journey’ and 'Dreamfall' comes a brave new massively multiplayer online role–playing game for the PC and Xbox 360. Taking place on our earth, in our times, ‘The Secret World’ (TSW) is inspired by history and mythology, modern conspiracy theories and ancient mysteries.

For there really is a world within ours, a secret world, where magic exists, monsters roam and ancient forces are fighting for the dominance of earth. It is a world of legendary stories, ageless conflicts and powerful cabals. In this world, even modern cities hide secrets. In this world, players can take part in the greatest conspiracies of our age, and battle the forces of darkness across the world and throughout time.

“We started envisioning this contemporary online world more than ten years ago, and as the years passed the ideas grew and improved,“ said Ragnar Tørnquist, Producer and Director on ‘The Secret World’. “We always wanted a different kind of online world, something scary and contemporary, something deeper and closer to our reality. Our goal now is to create a detailed world where players feel empowered and part of something big, something mystical and epic.”

“We believe there are millions of gamers out there who want to explore something beyond traditional fantasy and sci-fi games,“ said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. “'The Secret World' is just that – a fantastic new setting that will fuel the imagination of online gamers, and keep players busy for years. We have a golden opportunity to bring something fresh and exciting to the genre, and we firmly believe the game is an ideal extension of Funcom’s MMO portfolio.”

‘The Secret World’ has been in development since last summer and the game is in a playable state. It is produced at the Funcom studios in Oslo and Beijing. A release date is not being announced at this point, but players are already getting involved in the fast-growing community. Through a complex web-based mystery launched on May 6th, players are being led to a series of websites, including www.DarkDaysAreComing.com, where – after solving a puzzle – concept art from the game is being unveiled.

As a gamer you can become a member of the first wave community, and through pioneer forums you can discuss and explore the intriguing backstory. To access the forums and learn more about the mystery make sure you check out: www.darkdemonscrygaia.com