Warhammer begins Reckoning Sept. 18; Sept 23 for AU

Following a healthy amount of speculation that the game would launch on September 23, GOA, Orange's games unit, and Mythic Entertainment have confirmed that Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning will actually launch earlier than expected. September 18 is the day that orcs, lizardmen, and high elves can mark in their diaries, as that is when the massively multiplayer online role-playing game will go live.

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning has been developed by Mythic Entertainment (formerly EA Mythic) in association with Games Workshop, who created the tabletop game. Player-vs-player combat will play a large role in the MMORPG, which takes place within the Warhammer universe.

As well as announcing the launch date for Warhammer Online, Mythic also confirmed the subscription prices that UK and European players can expect to pay to gain access. The standard monthly fee will be £10.31 (12.99 euros), but three- and six-month packages work out slightly cheaper at £28.55 (35.97 euros) and £52.34 (65.94 euros) respectively. Alternatively, 60-day game cards will be sold in certain stores for £23.81 (29.99 euros). Players won't have to worry about these prices straight away, though, as the game is packaged with a 30-day subscription.

Finally, Mythic also announced a preorder package for the game that will be available worldwide from August 28 for £3.97 (5 euros). Mythic promises that the preorder pack will house a key for "Live Game Head Start" access, although no date has been set for this opening, as well as bonus in-game items.

UPDATE: EA has now confirmed that Australia will be receiving the game slightly later than the rest of the globe. The title will ship down under on September 23, with 60-day prepaid cards selling for A$39.99.

For more information on Warhammer Online, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.