Anarchy Online getting graphical update, beta signups open

Anarchy Online, the massively multiplayer online role-playing game from Funcom, is getting a graphical update, and players can sign up to test out the game's new look through the game's official website.

According to an update posted today on the official Anarchy Online forums, the developer will invite players to the closed beta in waves before eventually transitioning to an open beta.

"In these early stages of the closed beta, we will not provide the ability to copy over characters to the beta server," the update reads. "This is because the New Player Experience is also available in the closed beta and we would like to get as many eyes on this new content as possible. As the beta progresses, we will add the ability to copy over characters and gather focused feedback on higher level areas."

Anarchy Online launched in 2001, and the developer announced late last year that it's headed to Steam at an undetermined date. In the wake of a companywide restructure earlier this year year, Funcom hired designer Joel Bylos to be the creative director of its MMOs Age of Conan, Anarchy Online and The Secret World.