Despite Funcom’s big plans for its MMO “Age of Conan” in 2009, including its first expansion, the company’s planned server merges will reduce the number from 49 to 18.

According to the game’s community site, there will be six servers left for the North America and 12 for Europe. The server merges for the U.S. and Europe are expected to happen this week.

While Kotaku thinks the dramatic server reduction shows “how savagely this game has tanked,” GamesIndustry.biz argues that it is “unlikely” to be shut down because it still serves as a source of income until Funcom’s next MMO “The Secret World” is released.

Just last week, “Age of Conan” game director Craig Morrison told MTV Multiplayer Funcom’s plans for the MMO this coming year, including its first expansion.

Though servers merging means fewer gamers are sticking with “Conan,” it does benefit those who are still adventuring in Hyboria. Are you still playing the game, or do you think “Conan” will soon follow the likes of “Tabula Rasa“?

[via Joystiq]

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