When examining Conan's life span, as Howard told it, the need to have Conan himself present for every player was paramount to us. Creatively, using the time after the novel The Hour of the Dragon was by far the best setting. Conan is king. He has been weakened, and we know his vassals are not 100 percent behind him. It is a time where all players can relate to him without actually having to play him, as we have seen in previous titles. Besides, to us, Conan is a somewhat reluctant king, which makes him a very interesting figurehead in a realm where players are to make it on their own.
Gamespot, 11th May 2005 (Gaute Godager)